Historic buildings are vital to the character and narrative of their surrounding communities. We understand the importance of retaining this identity and sense of belonging through historic preservation.
In fact, CRSA was the first design firm in the state of Utah to specialize in preservation of existing and historic structures. This translates to an able group of design professionals with specialized understanding of how and why buildings were designed and constructed in Utah and throughout the United States - the materials used; the methods employed; the stories they tell.
Together, we can restore, preserve or rehabilitate your historic space.
With thoughtful design decisions, existing buildings are quite adaptable, and reuse of space is an environmentally responsible way to breathe new life into an old building. Additionally, reusing a historical structure doesn't mean contemporary needs can't be met. CRSA can preserve and revitalize what is unique and irreplaceable while repurposing with modern standards for new use.
Our team preserves the integrity of historic spaces through conservation of existing elements and retaining a property's form as it evolves over time. Buildings are often changed, adapted, and repurposed over time. Sometimes highlighting that chronology is the intention. Use the link below to view some of our truly successful preservation stories.
21st century use of historic buildings can hasten need for alteration or addition. While maintaining a historic feel might be important, often current needs are incompatible with historic conditions. CRSA offers design solutions to meet continuing or changing use while maintaining the property's historic character.
Sometimes we need a true reminder of our past, without contemporary context. Through extensive knowledge of historical styles and techniques, and continuing development of innovative technologies, CRSA reestablishes historic buildings as they would have appeared at a particular period of time in history.
Not sure where to start? CRSA can help determine the needs of an historic building character, its defining features, and perform conditions assessments to establish an appropriate design approach, as well as make recommendations whether to pursue preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and/or adaptive reuse of the space.
Building assessments range from the detailed to the conceptual level, and ours are more comprehensive than most, combining detailed information about what exists and what it might take to make a facility or site function with a newly applied vision. Our unique and detailed assessments are prepared with our excellent programming experience with which we distill large quantities of information into a concise goal to be realized.
CRSA is the first design firm in Utah to use advanced seismic retrofit technologies such as core-drilling and carbon fiber coatings to seismically reinforce masonry buildings. As we continue to explore and utilize these technologies, we contribute to making preservation of our cultural treasures safer and more affordable.
