What does restoration entail in the context of historic preservation?

In the context of historic preservation, restoration involves the process of accurately depicting the form and appearance of a property as it appeared at a specific period in its history. This often includes removing alterations that have taken place over time to reveal and emphasize significant historical features that were representative of the chosen era. The goal is to return the property to its former condition, thereby highlighting its historical and architectural significance.

This process focuses on the selective removal of features that detract from the original essence of the building or site, allowing the historic character to be understood and appreciated as it was during a specified time period. It requires careful research and attention to detail to ensure that the restoration is authentic and true to that moment in history.

In contrast, maintaining existing features without alteration simply preserves what is there without any changes, while constructing new features to match lost originals involves creating replicas that may not provide the same historical authenticity. Repairing and adding new structures strays further from the historic character and can undermine the integrity of the original design.