Small Firm Forum: From Past to Present – The importance of Historic Resource Evaluations (1.5 LU)
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires public agencies to analyze a proposed project’s impact to any known or potential historical resources. Before the impact can be analyzed, the agencies must first determine whether the property qualifies as a historical resource under CEQA. In Berkeley, a Historic Resource Evaluation (HRE) provides the documentation for this determination. Berkeley HRE’s are typically required before the demolition of or substantial change to buildings over 40 years old. This presentation will discuss what a Berkeley HRE entails, their preparation requirements (including author qualifications), and their potential impact for a project.
About the speakers:
Andus Brandt, Blackbird Designs
Andus Brandt is a licensed architect in California with a small office in Berkeley for 30 years. However, when it comes to Historic Evaluation, Mr. Brandt defers to Mr. Dreyfuss and Ms. Byarlay.
Alan Dreyfuss, WJE
Alan Dreyfuss is a licensed architect in California and has over 34 years of experience, specializing in historic preservation. Mr. Dreyfuss exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Architecture.
Rachelle Byarlay, WJE
Rachelle Byarlay is experienced in historic preservation, architectural investigation, and preparing historic structure reports. Ms. Byarlay exceeds the Professional Qualifications for Architectural History defined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
Learning Objectives:
- What is the goal of an HRE.
- When an HRE is required.
- What goes into a professional HRE report.
- Pros and cons of doing an HRE either by yourself or by hiring an outside professional.
Responses