Preservation

At Mills Group, we maintain a commitment to the rich cultural heritage of our region. Buildings tell the story of our past and each building provides a unique set of requirements and conditions to share that story. Sensitive and responsible preservation and restoration work must be responsive to the historic significance of the building.

Our team performs historical research and assesses existing conditions. We compile our findings into a comprehensive feasibility study and/or historic structures report for the owner. This document will begin the planning for the next phase of use for the building.

We strive to achieve a balance of the overall "Preservation Objectives" with those of the client's needs for the building's use. Our objective is always to maintain the building’s original historic character while incorporating provisions for life safety and accessibility requirements, indoor air quality, and energy conservation requirements.

Additional Preservation Considerations

• Assessment & Documentation
  The documentation and assessment of structures is an essential element for Mills Group. We provide conceptual design services that produce alternatives for the building's reuse, detailing what work will be necessary, its effect on the environment, and local and state regulations, as well as an estimation of costs associated with the project. Often, as a part of structural documentation, Mills Group utilizes its research to complete National Register of Historic Places nominations for significant structures which provide opportunities for financial support that will often help fund the next phases of the building's preservation and restoration.
• Interpretation Mills Group approaches any project that requires interpretation in a manner of maintaining a balance between financial availability, optimizing the visitor experience, and completing the goals and requirements of the client. We have a qualified staff with experience in determining the physical and operational needs of a facility, as well as utilizing the methods that best sustain archival collections.
• Facility and Maintenance Planning
  We develop facility maintenance plans that prescribe routine work necessary to sustain a structure given its historic materials and components. With proper facilities maintenance programs, small problems do not have to evolve into big or even irreversible ones.