Repairability: to restore to a good or sound condition after decay or damage; mend; to renew by any process of making good, strengthening. Fixing stuff has been replaced by buying new stuff. But it’s not because we don’t want to…
Fix or Toss?
Why Bother Saving Buildings?
Buildings are more than just design and assembly. They are a snapshot of life. The parts are the technology, skill, and materials of a time, while the style is the culture. As buildings age, some get overlooked, fall apart or…
Monuments
Monuments are left to recognize a person or event. We inscribe epitaphs defining their social relevancy to our cultural heritage, be it artistic, historical, political, technical or architectural importance. We have plaques on old houses identifying historical figures that had…
Every Building Has A Story
Every old building has a story. That story is told through what we see now, but sometimes there is a lot more to tell. We can certainly understand a building’s evolution by physical clues, but sometimes the clues are masked…
Saving Old Buildings
More historic buildings are here by chance than you think. Consider this. According to census data, there are over 330,000 Rhode Island buildings over 30 years old, with maybe 250,000 in the 50 years or older category of “historic”. There…
How can we all work to preserve Rhode Island buildings?
I have been in Rhode Island for almost 30 years. I love our community and the friends that are our family, the beauty and diversity of our landscapes and vistas, and without a doubt, I am crazy about the buildings.…
Rhode Island and the 4th of July
This 4th of July I am thinking of why we save old buildings. I am fortunate to live in Rhode Island, which is one of the most architecturally diverse states with buildings spanning from 1680 to the modern day. Many…
Saving Rhode Island’s Architectural Treasures
Rhode Island has some of the oldest, greatest architecture in the country. Our built environment reflects our ability to adapt and create. It’s a response to our environment, politics, culture, and art. It reflects function and our industrial and mechanical…
Holidays are Family Building Time
The winter break is a great time to get grounded with family, sleep a bit more, and complete some home projects. While the recent weather makes us think there is still outside work to do, don’t be fooled, the cold…
Why old windows are better than new
We are told old windows are drafty, do not function well, and lose energy through the single panes. Window replacements are pitched as giving us better energy efficiency and longevity. But is it true? And with claims replacement windows can…