It is important to note that adaptive reuse can be a concern for more than just the current property owners and those directly involved with the development of the site. A myriad of groups may become affected during the process and it’s crucial to recognize who those potential stakeholders may be. These groups may be very passionate about the state of the property and be concerned about its future. Often they can be great resource pools for advocacy and endorsement of new ventures as well. If clear communication and cooperation are implemented from the start of the process, the potential for disagreements and difficulties further down the road are mitigated and reduced drastically.
Previous Owners: Though they may no longer be connected to the present operations, previous owners of a historic property can be incredibly valuable in the transition. They may have access to knowledge and records about significant periods in the site’s history which can be vital to any future efforts for designation or preservation. They may also be the ones connected to why the site is important and be a resource for documentation. Additionally, deed restrictions applied to the property at any point in its existence can carry over and directly inhibit the ability of new management to make necessary changes. Knowing exactly what was intended by certain wording, a policy, or a trust can be critical to informing how current parties may act.
Investors: Historic preservation in any form can quickly become expensive and renovations of a high caliber for historical accuracy may be difficult to justify when it comes down to dollars and cents. Reaching out for monetary support can be a tedious process but with the tax break incentives, grant opportunities, and resources found through professional and governmental organizations dedicated to supporting such endeavors, there are many ways to fund full projects under best practices. The history of a site, its documentation, and the argument for the significance of its preservation for contemporary use are critical for recognition by these entities but may also be useful for others outside of that particular sphere of influence. A critical point of value for adaptive reuse is the fact that it is a way to utilize pre-built structures and reduce the need for new materials which is a growing concern for global green initiatives. Impacting the energy and resource consumption in a local community can be a key validation for these properties when considering return on investment percentages.
Certified Local Governments: Awareness of the authoritative bodies that govern policy, enforcement, and support of adaptive reuse in the locality is key to following the best practices of the historic preservation field. They have the ability to grant designations, tax breaks, and delays of demolition that can be what saves a community’s historical assets. The Waco Historic Landmark Commission is a great resource of support for any properties that are designated or desire to gain that distinction.
Contextual Community: This includes both the communities that were directly involved with the heritage of the site as well as those in the immediate vicinity that will be affected by any developments. These groups are critical to understanding those who have an outside investment in what happens to the site as well as its environs. Certain places can hold cultural, spiritual, or historical significance for the people that were involved in its existence. Even though it may be a non-living structure, those human aspects of perspective contribute to possible intersectionality within its community. Additionally, those who live near a site are directly impacted by any developments or adaptive reuse that may be planned. It can be key to include both of these sets and take in their considerations or concerns as plans go forward. Focus groups or meetings to present new developments are always a way to bring them in and give them a voice in the decision-making if they are directly affected.
Historic/Cultural Community: Lastly, those that are a part of the arts community and those involved in historic preservation are always very invested in the built environment that makes up their cities. It is often a large factor for tourism, the arts, and inspiration for a city’s unique identity. The cultural sector thrives when it can create meaningful experiences within that environment and connect with the people that they serve. Using history, culture, sustainable practices, and respectful preservation can be a powerful way to support the economics and overall well-being of Waco’s citizenship.