Assignment 3:
Historic Building Report
In class we will be discussing how to determine the significance of a historic building, what it means to have it designated as a historic structure, and how to appropriately do work on it. This assignment lets you find out more about a particular historic building of your selection.

For this assignment you are to locate a building in your local community that has official designation as a historic building. The designation must have been given by either a local, state or federal government agency.

The report should be 4 to 6 pages in length. It should include a general description of the building, including the following:

• Its original use and its current use
• Its original appearance and how it might have been altered
• Its historic name
• Its architectural style, and how you determined it
• Its type of official designation, and the regulations associated with it
• The building's "context" (what is around it?)
• Other pertinent information relating to its historic significance
• Include photographs or copies of photos or good sketches so I can know what it looks like.

Finally, interview someone associated with the building--for example, its owner or caretaker. Get his or her opinion about the historic designation or the building. Do they think it is a good thing or a bad thing? What problems have they had as a result of designation? What benefits have they gained? Etc., etc.

It's not really too difficult to find an interesting building. Don't be afraid to go up to the door of an interesting looking old building and introduce yourself. People are usually quite receptive to someone who shows an interest. Enjoy yourself. I look forward to seeing what you find.

Plan on submitting this assignment by mail, since it will be difficult to format to submit electronically.