The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) on February 15 released its third Preserve America Executive Order Report to the President. Entitled, “In a Spirit of Stewardship: A Report on Federal Historic Property Management,” it describes specific projects and properties and the successes and challenges that agencies face in ensuring proper use and potential re-use of federally held historic properties. The report also presents recommendations to advance the goals of the National Historic Preservation Act. In assessing the progress of federal agencies over the last three years, ACHP found that:
- Federally owned historic properties have great potential to create private sector jobs, contribute to local economies, create public-private partnerships, and improve property management practices, but they have not systematically done so;
- Agencies would benefit from guidance on the advantages of retaining and converting historic buildings and structures into sustainable properties that meet the Administration’s goals for energy efficiency;
- Renewable energy initiatives present opportunities for the preservation community to think creatively about resource management that can significantly impact historic properties;
- Agencies face a significant challenge in the realignment of real property portfolios; and,
- Federal strategic plans frequently still do not address historic property management needs or establish goals for improvement at the appropriate level.
Click here to download the full report.
