What aspect of historic resources does rehabilitation primarily focus on?

Rehabilitation primarily focuses on preserving features with cultural merit because it seeks to maintain the historical significance of a building or site while allowing for some modifications that accommodate contemporary use. This approach recognizes that historic resources may need updates to meet modern standards or community needs, but it ensures that these alterations do not detract from the essential character and integrity of the original structure.

By targeting the preservation of key architectural elements and historical features, rehabilitation respects the story and heritage of the resource, providing a balanced solution that honors the past while adapting to the present. This strategy promotes sustainable practices by repurposing and maintaining existing structures instead of opting for complete new constructions or strictly restoring them to their original design, which may not always be feasible or desirable.