The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are guidelines that help preserve the historic character of buildings while allowing for updates and changes for modern use. They emphasize maintaining key architectural features, materials, and craftsmanship, ensuring that renovations respect the building’s original design. The standards aim to balance preservation with practicality, so that historic buildings can be safely adapted to new purposes without losing their historic significance. Following these standards helps qualify for certain grants and tax incentives, encouraging responsible preservation practices.