Preservation Tools & Resources

Many architectural and realty professionals contribute to preservation projects. Each needs and uses different tools in his or her work. The Center for Historic Buildings supports these professionals by:

• Developing prototype solutions and tools
• Promoting best practice exchange between GSA business lines, vendors, project planners, and field operations
• Sharing and building upon, the agency's growing pool of expertise and accumulated knowledge
• Providing national leadership for compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other stewardship directives

The center also works with Regional Historic Preservation Officers and technical staff in each of GSA's eleven regions to provide day-to-day consultation support to ensure projects and actions comply with the NHPA and are consistent with GSA policy and national stewardship strategy.

This section of the Historic Preservation website centralizes the most commonly used tools and resources.

General resources

GSA offers a number of convenient tools for managing GSA's historic properties.

Historic Building Database

Foremost among these tools is Historic Buildings Database, the data for which is presented to GSA associates via our website, which can be used to generate individual building profiles and other reports.

The website includes GSA's historic building list, locations, statements of significance, and photographs (see Explore Historic Buildings, Find a Building).

Proof of Competency & Other Documentation

• Qualification Requirements for Preservation Architects and Other Specialists
• Restoration Competency Guide

Leased Property Project Tools

• Lease Requirements for Protection of Environmental, Archeological, and Historic Resources
• Price Preference for Historic Properties in Lease Acquisitions

Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties

• Executive Order 13006 fact sheet
• GSA Historic Property Leasing Price Preference

Proposal, Contract, and Planning Tools and Documents

• Project Management Preservation Checklist
• Historic Preservation Decision Trees
• Site Solicitation Location Clause
• Section 106 Compliance Report Template
• P100 Performance Standards for Historic Buildings
• Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC)
• 106 Compliance Requirements for Design-Build Projects at Historic Buildings
• Requirements for Custodial Contracts at Historic Buildings

Technical Guidelines

• Upgrading Windows in Historic Buildings
• Upgrading Lighting in Historic Buildings
• HVAC Upgrades in Historic Buildings
• Historic Building Roofing
• Fire Safety Retrofit
• Perimeter Security for Historic Buildings

Technical Procedures References & Specifications

Find hundreds of references and specifications for rehabilitating, repairing and maintaining historic buildings, landscapes and structures. The information found here addresses a wide variety of issues, materials and features, such as:

• Concrete
• Doors and Windows
• Electrical
• Finishes
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood
• and more