HISTORIC RESOURCE ASSESSMENTS
Jean prepares Historic Resource Assessments, which are reports that evaluate a building’s historic and architectural significance. Such studies are typically undertaken on behalf of the property owner, upon request by a local historic preservation commission, due to the application for a permit to demolish or alter a historic building. In some municipalities, a finding of significance results in a delay of the permit’s issuance with the intent that the property owner may find other alternatives. If the house is subsequently razed after the period of delay has passed, the Assessment is placed on file at the local historical society and serves as documentation of that resource.
Historic Resource Assessments typically include biographies of each owner; a description of the house and its alterations; an essay on the architect; an examination of the house’s architectural style in relation to similar examples in the neighborhood; and an evaluation of historic and architectural significance. In cases involving a demolition permit request, Jean also evaluates the architectural impact of such an action on the surrounding neighborhood. Research is undertaken at a variety of repositories that include the Recorder of Deed’s Office, the local historical society, and the local library. Jean also takes exterior and interior photos of the house, which are included in the report, as are photos of other houses in the vicinity, historic images, and copies of building permits and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps.
Jean authored Historic Resource Assessments for the houses listed below, which together represented a variety of styles, including Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, French Eclectic, Craftsman, Italian Renaissance, Spanish Mediterranean, and Modernistic Ranch.