This is a three-part walkthrough guide by Technical Preservation Services for identifying and understanding the distinctive visual character of an historic building with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation in mind. It was developed out of the TPS’ Preservation Brief 17 on the subject of Identifying Architectural Character. Ideally, the guide is consulted before any kind of rehabilitation work begins so that character-defining features aren’t accidentally lost or ‘upgraded’ in the process. The main concepts here are continuity and authenticity, not necessarily of material, but of design elements which define historic character. In their own words: The approach...is intended to make the layman look at a historic building as a set of tangible materials and features, not as any particular style.

Published by Technical Preservation Services, part of the National Park Service.
Online illustrated toolkit/guide format.