Restoration – Walker Consultants

Historic Preservation Month: What’s the Difference?

Walker Consultants — Fri, 29 May 2026 14:48:48 +0000

Historic Preservation

Landmarks and Historic Registered Buildings vs. “Old” Buildings

Peck Center Historic Preservation. Fernandina Beach, Florida

You pass buildings like this every day, brick facades, worn materials, and details that carry the stories of another era. Some are carefully maintained, while others sit untouched. And some are one permit away from being replaced entirely.

Projects like the Peck Center in Fernandina Beach, Florida show how quickly that line can blur, where a building that feels like part of the everyday streetscape carries constraints that shape what can and can’t be changed.

From the outside, it reads like many other older buildings. But its status introduces a different set of considerations, ones that directly influence scope, approvals, and how decisions are made from the outset.

From the outside, there’s often no clear distinction until you’re the one making decisions about it.

At first, the project feels straightforward. Then the question comes up:

“Is this building historic, or is it just old?”

That’s where things shift.

A building’s status, listed, eligible, or unrecognized, doesn’t just describe it. It influences what you can do, how the project moves forward, and what’s at stake if you get it wrong.

Age Does Not Mean Historic

That question isn’t something you can answer just by looking at a building.

In the United States, a building typically needs to be around 50 years old before it’s even considered for historic designation, but that’s merely a starting point.

What matters is whether the building still retains the features that convey its significance. Some do. Others don’t.

At the same time, designation isn’t one-size-fits-all. A building may be recognized at the local, state, or national level, or be considered a contributing structure within a historic district. Each of these comes with its own review process, which can vary depending on the governing agency and jurisdiction. In many cases, projects must also align with guidance from the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, which influences how historic properties are evaluated and treated.

The Two Core Pillars of Historic Status

Significance
Reflects why a building matters based on its association with events, people, architectural design, or its ability to provide historical information.

Integrity
Reflects how much of the building’s original character remains, including its location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

These are often evaluated through established criteria:

Criterion A (Event) – associated with significant historical patterns
Criterion B (Person) – associated with significant individuals
Criterion C (Design/Construction) – architectural or artistic significance
Criterion D (Information Potential) – ability to yield important historical information

When a building meets these thresholds, everything changes

You’re no longer just dealing with age, you’re dealing with meaning. And that meaning begins to influence what can be altered, what must be preserved, and how the project moves forward.

Two buildings from the same era can be treated very differently depending on how they’re evaluated and by whom. Local and state perspectives don’t always align, and in some cases, even eligibility alone can introduce constraints.

This is where having the right team early matters, not just to confirm whether a building is historic, but to understand what that status means for scope, schedule, and risk before decisions are made.

What Changes When You Own a Historic Property?

With an older building, decisions are typically driven by condition, what needs to be repaired, replaced, and how quickly you can move.

With a historic building, you’re also managing what the building represents and that shows up quickly.

Standard repair approaches don’t always apply to historic buildings.

Materials can’t always be treated the same way. Even routine work like cleaning or façade repairs may require a different approach.

David Scott Building, Detroit, Michigan

On projects like the David Stott Building in Detroit, façade work requires careful evaluation where material selection, cleaning methods, and repair techniques all need to align with the building’s historic character to avoid irreversible damage.

What might seem like routine work on a typical building becomes far more nuanced, requiring a deeper understanding of how materials behave and how interventions will perform over time.

The goal isn’t just to fix the building, it’s to preserve what makes it significant.

That often means prioritizing repair over replacement and ensuring that any new work aligns with the original design, materials, and craftsmanship.

If a building is listed or even eligible there may be additional layers of review tied to local or state requirements. In some cases, historic easements introduce an additional layer of oversight, where a third-party organization holds a legal interest in the property to ensure its long-term preservation.

These easements can influence what work is permitted and often require additional coordination and approvals, which can extend timelines and add complexity to the process. As a result, project may involve multiple stakeholders, each with their own requirements and priorities.

Treating a historic building like it’s just old doesn’t always create immediate issues, but when it does, they’re often more difficult and costly to undo.

This is often where projects begin to shift from straightforward repair scopes to more deliberate, evaluated approaches that consider both preservation requirements and long-term performance.

The Mindset Shift Clients Don’t Expect

Most projects begin the same way: scope, budget, and timeline.

Then historic status enters the frame, and now you’re having to make decisions that affect not only the building, but its broader context and community.

“What should stay?”
“What actually matters here?”
“What happens if we change this?”

That shift shows up in the work.

You prioritize repairs where possible. You plan for long-term performance. You consider how today’s decisions affect what remains tomorrow.

Because once certain elements are lost, they don’t come back the same way.

From the outside, it may still look like just another older building.

But once you understand what you’re working with, the decisions carry different weight.

It’s not just about what needs to be fixed; it’s about what you\’re choosing to preserve, and what won’t come back the same way once it’s gone.

For consultants, this means taking a systematic and thorough approach, one that respects the building’s architecture while also planning for long-term performance. The goal isn’t to create a patchwork of short-term repairs, but to develop thoughtful solutions that support the building over time.

It also means supporting clients through what can often be a complex process, coordinating with local and state agencies, navigating preservation requirements, and maintaining clear communication so projects move forward smoothly.

When done well, preservation isn’t a constraint, it’s a framework that leads to better, more informed decisions.

Spring into Building Maintenance: A Proactive Guide

Walker Consultants — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:48:09 +0000

As Spring in in full swing and the last of the frost has thawed, it’s a crucial time to proactively assess and maintain your property. Winter’s harsh conditions often leave behind issues in various structures—from office buildings and medical facilities to parking structures—that if neglected, could lead to costly emergency repairs.

Roof Maintenance is Key

Roofs are particularly susceptible to winter damage. Regardless of age, roofs in northern climates endure months under snow and ice. This exposure can compromise the integrity of vent stacks, sealant pockets, and expansion joints, often leading to seal failures and damage to flashings due to ice expansion and contraction. Moisture can infiltrate these compromised areas, potentially causing significant internal damage. It’s vital to inspect your roof as the winter ice recedes to identify and remedy any issues before the spring rains exacerbate them.

Examine Your Exterior Walls

Exterior walls endure repetitive freeze/thaw cycles that can lead to a variety of structural issues, including cracks, spalling mortar, and shifting materials. These symptoms not only signal water intrusion but may also indicate more severe structural problems like failed anchorages or corroded support steel. It’s important to have these potential risks assessed by a licensed engineer or architect to ensure the structural integrity of your building.

Don’t Overlook Parking Facilities

Parking facilities, often being more exposed, face a range of weather-related distresses. Issues such as concrete cracking, dislodged concrete, and damaged joints or sealants are common and can be exacerbated by plowing and erosion. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further deterioration and extend the lifespan of the structure.

Maintenance Action Plan

As the weather clears, take the time to review the condition of your structures. Identifying the root causes of winter-induced damages and developing cost-effective repair strategies are essential steps in extending the longevity of your buildings. Let Walker Consultants assist you in navigating the complexities of building maintenance this spring. Our expertise can help enhance the protection of your assets throughout the year.

Maximize Your Airport’s Revenue with Parking Structure Condition Assessments

Tasha Samkough — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:04:17 +0000

Optimize performance and profitability with our expert evaluations.

Parking structures often represent the first or second highest source of income for airports, making their upkeep vital to financial strategies. For many travelers, these structures are their first interaction point with an airport when starting their journey. This makes maintaining the structural health of airport parking crucial to operational efficiency and a good customer experience, thus maximizing revenue.

Condition assessments offer detailed insights into a parking structure’s current state, pinpointing issues like structural integrity, waterproofing failures, and general wear and tear that can significantly impact operational efficiency and safety. Early detection and maintenance extends the lifespan of these assets and significantly mitigates escalating repair costs, thereby safeguarding revenue streams and minimizing operational disruptions.

What does a condition assessment entail?

The evaluation can include:

Visual assessment of structural components
Assessing surface conditions and evaluating repair options (if any)
Evaluating the effectiveness of waterproofing, sealers, and other protective finishes
Providing cost-effective repair recommendations based on the urgency of repairs
Development of future maintenance plans, ensuring minimal disruption to normal operations

Discover expert insights

An engineer’s evaluation is essential to accurately assess structural health and safety. Professional oversight helps identify potential risks that could lead to costly repairs or, crucially, safety hazards. Professionals can assess structural components, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, and waterproofing measures, providing a foundation of information to support the safety of users and the long-term durability of the structure. An engineer will also recommend preventative maintenance measures and prioritize repair actions to optimize your budget and project timelines.

Click below to watch a comprehensive webinar featuring Senior Vice President Al Bustamante, PE. In this session, he delves into common types of parking structure deterioration and demonstrates how proactive maintenance strategies can significantly reduce costs over time.

How can we help?

Walker’s restoration staff specialize in parking structure condition assessments. Whether it’s inspecting older facilities, routine maintenance checks, or newly built assets, our goal is to identify the root cause of the issue and mitigate its recurrence. We bring the expertise necessary to evaluate structural integrity, improve operational efficiency, and develop a comprehensive asset management plan.

Our proactive approach to maintenance and restoration can extend the lifespan of your parking assets and help them to continue generating significant revenue without interruption. A well-maintained parking structure is more than just a part of airport infrastructure; it’s a crucial element of your financial success.

Enhance the longevity and profitability of your airport parking structures. Contact Jeffrey Smallidge today to discuss how we can optimize your parking asset management for sustained success.

Jeffrey M. Smallidge, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Director of Aviation Services & Director of Business Development
317.348.2122
jsmallidge@walkerconsultants.com

NYC Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) – Your Guide to Compliance

Brittany Edmunds — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:40:39 +0000

Walker’s façade experts can assist you with your New York City FISP inspections (formerly Local Law 11) and The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) report filings.

Navigating NYC’s FISP, formerly known as Local Law 11, can be a complex process. Walker’s seasoned experts can guide you through every step of façade inspections and repairs, all while adhering to the stringent New York City regulations and requirements. Let us assist you in keeping your building up to the mandated standards.

Need assistance with façade inspections in New York City? Reach out now!

Walker has a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) design professional, certified by the New York City Department of Buildings, to perform these inspections.

Contact our QEWI

Sara C. Holcomb, PE, QEWI

Sara has worked on numerous façade inspection and restoration projects throughout the five boroughs of New York City, for commercial, residential, hospitality and historic properties.

What Your FISP Filing Status Means

Understanding your building’s façade status—whether SAFE, SWARMP, or UNSAFE—is vital in maintaining its integrity. The FISP report provides a comprehensive insight into the condition of your building’s exterior. Our QEWI certified professional can help you analyze and address your building’s unique façade conditions and assist you in planning necessary actions according to the classification in the report.

The procedures of the FISP program are described in the 1 RCNY §103-04 Chapter 100 Subchapter C Maintenance of Buildings. The NYC DOB also provides a map of filing statuses.

FISP Report Deadlines

The scheduling of FISP report due dates is directly linked to the last digit of your building’s block number.

Regardless of where your building is in the filing cycle, our consultants are on hand to support you in developing a prioritized action plan, facilitating seamless filings and timely repairs in accordance with the necessary obligations.

Collaborate with our experienced team for tailored façade repair and filing plans.

Missed FISP Filing Deadline

Missing the FISP filing deadline can lead to substantial penalties. It’s critical to respond quickly to avoid additional charges. Contact our team as soon as possible to identify the best course of action to achieve compliance swiftly, helping to prevent further penalties and maintain the safety standards of your building.

Missed the deadline? Contact our team immediately to rectify the situation.

Post-FISP Report Actions

Once your FISP report has been filed, promptly address any conditions marked as UNSAFE. Walker Consultants is prepared to be your ally throughout the process, from strategizing and initiating necessary repairs to submitting an amended “SAFE” report. We’ll help you meet requisite safety standards.

Our team has you covered, from building envelope to parking structure. Contact our full-service team today.

Sara Holcomb, PE, QEWI

Senior Restoration Consultant

Katarzyna Burzynska, AIA

Building Envelope Consultant

Ibrahim Erdem, PhD, PE, SE

Director – Forensics, Restoration and Building Envelope

What is a Property Condition Assessment?

Brittany Edmunds — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:22:02 +0000

A Property Condition Assessment (PCA) helps the current or future owner to understand the facility and provides them with a roadmap for potential repairs and upgrades to extend the service life of the facility.

Aimed at building owners, developers, and investors, a PCA outlines the overall condition of the facility for better understanding of a facility’s condition prior to an asset transaction.

Our PCA team is familiar with all site, building components, and typical systems to provide a holistic report. Additionally, if needed, a more in-depth assessment can be performed that could include Walker’s structural, parking structure, building envelope, and MEP specialists.

A PCA is conducted using ASTM standard E2018-15. Walker conducts interviews, reviews documents, and performs a walk-through visual survey to document a property’s physical attributes and deficiencies. Our consultants evaluate the site conditions and in-place building systems, including the roof, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. A PCA’s scope also includes the evaluation of elevators, interior finishes, fire suppression systems, and site and building accessibility access. A PCA provides a comprehensive review of a facility’s complex building systems.

During the assessment in the field, our consultants use tools such as a laser measurer to determine building heights, measure overhead door openings, structural bay spacings, clear ceiling heights at warehouse areas, a digital level to record slope and cross-slope percentages along accessible paths-of-travel and field checklists. These tools aid us in developing a detailed report that informs our clients in their decisions.

Our reports provide information that clients can use during negotiations, for financing, and to estimate life-cycle replacement costs for site and building components. PCAs are an invaluable tool that current or future owners can use to address any immediate building repairs, such as roof leaks, or replacement of in-place building systems, such as mechanical equipment, based on anticipated useful service life.

Our guiding principle is to provide value through exceptional quality of work and attention to detail. PCAs can save our clients time and money by providing a report that not only details the property’s existing physical attributes but one that provides them with a roadmap for potential repairs and upgrades to extend the facility’s service life.

ADA, FHA, UFAS

Our consultants are adept professionals who perform accessibility reviews on varied building types against the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), and Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). Our consultants can guide clients through the intricacies of accessibility to determine the necessary requirements and parameters essential to conform to required standards and identify associated costs.

Client (Owner) Representation

As the Client’s representative, Walker serves as a liaison to safeguard the Client’s investment and aid through all phases of project development. Whether acting as an additional set of eyes on a peer review of construction contract documents or conducting periodic site visits to observe construction progress as it relates to submitted Applications for Payment, our knowledgeable staff is ready to step in to assist the Client throughout this challenging process.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

An ASHRAE energy audit, or American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers energy audit, is a key measure to improve facility energy efficiency. Our capable consultants can perform ASHRAE Level 1 (Walk-Through) and ASHRAE Level 2 (Energy Survey) audits. An ASHRAE Level 1 audit involves conducting interviews with facility managers, a facility inspection, and a review of utility bills to identify no- or low-cost opportunities for energy savings and areas of energy waste. An ASHRA Level 2 audit affords facility owners and managers with a more detailed building characteristics survey as well as an energy usage and cost analysis using available information, various diagnostic testing including lighting level assessment and duct leaking testing, and with the collected information, our consultants will draft a proposed energy savings plan.

Common Sense is Not Always Common

Walker Consultants — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 21:52:36 +0000

Alfredo (Al) Bustamante, PE, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Restoration Services at Walker, authored “Common Sense is Not Always Common” in Structure‘s August issue. Al discusses important steps for Structural Engineers regarding facade access support equipment (FASE) requirements and load testing including: safety standards, full load and “half load” testing, and a case study.

SEAoT’s Quarterly Journal Features Walker’s Charles Hammond

Walker Consultants — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:55:22 +0000

Charles Hammond‘s article “Grandfathered Dangers: Are Parking Garage Vehicular Barriers Designed to Older Codes Safe?” is featured in the Structural Engineers Association of Texas’ Quarterly Journal this winter. The article, beginning on page 11, discusses the assessment of existing vehicular barriers with an acknowledgement of historical and current code provisions.

Read Charles Hammond’s article on page 11 of the Quarterly Journal.

Save Time and Money With Rope Access

Walker Consultants — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:58:26 +0000

Industrial Rope Access is an access method which allows qualified engineers and architects at Walker to safely access and work at elevated or difficult-to-reach areas. Our industrial rope access program combines specialized training and equipment and project specific plans to safely accomplish project objectives by our staff trained by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT).

Learn how Walker uses industrial rope access to provide clients with cost-effective and efficient solutions for close-up and hands-on surveys

Walker’s Unique Solution Makes Condo Restoration Feasible

Walker Consultants — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 20:50:37 +0000

The residents of Appletree Square Condominiums enjoy panoramic vistas of the Minnesota River valley. Over the years, residents added solariums to enclose their balconies. Unfortunately, these solariums were not properly installed, causing numerous and widespread water intrusion issues.

To restore the façade’s integrity, the solariums needed to be removed and replaced. The building’s location atop a river bluff—and next to a national wildlife refuge—made construction access difficult. The condo association faced the prospect of adding a half-million-dollar retaining wall below the building simply to enable work to begin. There was also the possibility of losing their solariums, along with the special noise-abating doors and windows residents had invested in to minimize noise from the nearby airport.

Read on to learn how Walker found a restoration solution that worked for the building owners and residents >>

Recorded Webinar—Root Cause: The Value of Forensic Engineering

Walker Consultants — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:41:38 +0000

Walker Webinar–Root Cause: The Value of Forensic Engineering

Thank you to all who participated in our webinar on November 10. The recording is below, watch Walker Consultants’ forensic engineering experts Al Bustamante and Charles Hammond explore:

Why is forensic engineering important to facility owners, property managers, and attorneys?: We provide a background that explains the value of an effective forensics investigation.
Defects vs deficiency: A structure can have many defects and still not be deficient. We share why the ability to differentiate between these two concepts is valuable for dispute resolution and to properly solve structural, materials, and architectural problems.
Case studies: Our team presents several examples of thorough forensics investigations, including up-close field observations, material sampling and testing, non-destructive evaluation and structural analysis.

Originally recorded on November 10, this webinar is free and open to all. Al and Charles are available for additional webinars by request.

Al Bustamante, PE
Senior Vice President/Managing Director

Charles Hammond, PE, SE, CWI, LEED AP
Senior Restoration Consultant

You can read more about Walker’s Forensics, Restoration and Building Envelope services here:

Walker Forensics, Restoration and Building Envelope Services