THIS IS A DRAFT SYLLABUS. THE ORDER OF THE
LECTURES MAY CHANGE!!!
HISTORIC BUILDING ANALYSIS: HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORTS &
PRESERVATION PLANS
Drew University Continuing Education Program (2 CUE’s)
Spring 2012
Instructor:
Margaret Newman
mnewmanhistory@comcast.net
609.273.7003 (cell)
This course provides an in depth discussion and hands on experience in the
development of a Historic Structures Report. Topics include historic research and
evaluation of existing buildings including analysis of conditions and materials that
may provide clues of the construction chronology. Drawing conclusions from the
information gathered, participants will develop a period of interpretation, determine
the preservation needs of the resource and construct a use-plan to guide future
rehabilitation work.
There will be no text book for this class. Reading assignments can be found on the
internet or will be provided by the instructor. The readings are required and meant
to generate discussion during class. Class participation is essential.
March 28
Introduction—What is a planning document?
READ
 New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, “Historic Structure Reports
and Preservation Plans: A Preparation Guide”
http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/4sustain/preparehsr.pdf

Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 43
Deborah Slaton, “The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure
Reports”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief43.htm
April 4
NO CLASS
April 11
Historical Background and Context
READ
 National Register Bulletin
“Researching a Historic Property”
http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/pdfs/nrb39.pdf
April 18
Research
April 25
Architectural Analysis
READ
 Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 17
Lee H. Nelson, “Architectural Character Identifying the Visual Aspects
of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief17.htm

Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 35
Travis C. McDonald, Jr., “Understanding Old Buildings: the Process of
Architectural Investigation”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief35.htm
May 2
Interpreting Architectural Evidence: the Construction Chronology of a
Building
READ
To be provided by instructor
Assignment 1 due at end of class.
Saturday May 5
Site Visit
May 9
Materials Analysis
READ
To be provided by instructor
May 16
Preservation Philosophy, Use and Interpretation
READ
 Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties:
Preservation,
Rehabilitation,
Restoration
and
Reconstruction
http://www.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/
Assignment 2 due at end of class.
May 23
Treatment Recommendations
READ
 Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 14
Anne E. Grimmer and Kay D. Weeks, “New Exterior Additions to
Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief14.pdf

Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 18
H. Ward Jandl, “Rehabilitating Interiors in Historic
Identifying and Preserving Character-Defining Elements”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief18.htm

Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Brief 34
Thomas C. Jester and Sharon C. Park, “Making Historic Properties
Accessible”
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief32.htm
Buildings:
 Technical Preservation Guidelines
Caroline Alderson, Nick Antrim and Rick Allen, “Fire SafetyRetrofitting”
http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/Firesafetyretrofit.pdf
May 30
Site visit
Final project due