Historic Restorations

Dallas is home to a number of historic buildings and neighborhoods that have been beautifully restored and preserved. The city shows a strong commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. Historic restorations allow builders to create vibrant spaces that can be enjoyed and appreciated by families today while protecting them for future generations.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A HISTORIC RESTORATION?

Embarking on a historic renovation project can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. From breathing new life into a potentially neglected property to preserving a piece of a city’s history, these projects offer a unique opportunity to create beautiful and meaningful spaces. But what goes into a historic restoration? Let’s break down the key elements and processes involved in bringing an old building back to its former glory.

“The team at Nixon Custom Homes surpassed our expectations. We remodeled a historic home and their team was there every day working through the plan in painstaking detail, guiding us through the process and adjusting quickly when the ‘charm’ of an old house presented challenges for an update. The final result is magazine-worthy and the experience of working with the Nixon team was one we truly enjoyed. Each person who worked on the house was someone with longstanding relationships with Nixon and so we were able to have the best of the best working on our project. We even finished ahead of schedule during a global pandemic! We cannot recommend this team enough.”

HISTORIC RESTORATION VS. PRESERVATION

Before we dive into the specifics of the renovation process, it’s important to clarify the difference between preservation and restoration. Preservation focuses on the maintenance and repair of existing historic materials and the retention of a property’s form as it has evolved over time. The goal is to protect and stabilize the building, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Restoration, on the other hand, involves replacing or repairing damaged or missing elements to return a property to its original condition. While this can be a more intensive building process, it allows for the full appreciation of a building’s historical significance and architectural details.

THE HISTORIC RESTORATION PROCESS

Every property is unique and brings different elements to the table. But below are the steps that are essential to most projects:

Assessment: The first step in any renovation is a thorough assessment of the property. This involves evaluating the building’s current condition, identifying any structural issues or areas in need of repairs, and assessing the integrity of the current materials. This information is crucial in developing a renovation plan that respects the building’s history while making it safe and functional.
Crafting a Plan: Based on the assessment, a renovation plan is developed. This outlines the goals of the project and details the specific renovation work that will be undertaken. The work must be carried out in a manner that respects the building’s historic integrity.
Design and Architectural Review: For any exterior repairs or alterations, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained from the city. This involves presenting the renovation plans to a review board, which assesses whether the proposed changes are in keeping with the building’s historical character and the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Completing the Work: Once all the necessary permits and approvals have been obtained, the work can begin. This can include repairing or replacing historic materials, upgrading systems like plumbing and electricity, and making the building more energy-efficient. It may also involve reconfiguring the interior layout to better suit modern needs while maintaining the historic character of the space.

HISTORIC RESTORATIONS IN DALLAS, TX

Undertaking the restoration of a historic property is an immense privilege, and it should be given to those with a deep respect for the architectural details and materials that make that building unique.

Why work with Nixon Custom Homes? We have been building luxury homes throughout Dallas, Texas for over 30 years. As an award-winning builder, we combine exceptional craftsmanship and efficient strategies with an emphasis on energy-efficiency and strict attention to detail to deliver exceptional home construction that lasts.

Schedule a consultation today to carry on the legacy of your historic property.