HISTORIC CONSULTING by AWH Architects

Our work goes beyond compliance — it’s about stewardship. We help communities and developers transform historic assets into enduring places of connection, sustainability, and pride. Whether your goal is rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, or funding assistance, AWH Architects brings clarity, creativity, and expertise to every phase of historic consulting.

At AWH Architects, we believe that every historic structure carries a story worth preserving. Our Historic Consulting services help clients honor the legacy of existing buildings while creating opportunities for adaptive reuse that meet today’s functional and economic needs. From heritage landmarks to underutilized community assets, our work bridges the past and the future through thoughtful, pragmatic design and strategic preservation planning.

What We Do

We guide clients through every phase of historic preservation — from research and documentation to design and implementation. Our team’s expertise ensures that each project not only meets preservation standards but also supports long-term community and economic vitality.

Historic Tax Credit Consulting — We prepare and manage Federal and State Historic Tax Credit applications (Parts 1–3), coordinating with SHPO and the National Park Service to ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Nominations — We research, write, and prepare individual and district nominations, documenting architectural significance and historical context for SHPO and NPS review.
Historic Structure Reports (HSRs) — We produce comprehensive reports combining archival research, condition assessments, and treatment recommendations to guide preservation and rehabilitation work.
Conditions Assessments — We evaluate building materials, structure, and systems to identify deterioration, prioritize repairs, and develop preservation treatment strategies.
Section 106 Review & Compliance — We prepare determinations of eligibility, findings of effect, and mitigation documentation for federally funded or permitted projects, coordinating with SHPO, ACHP, and tribal nations.
Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) Applications — We develop and present Certificates of Appropriateness and design review materials for projects in locally designated historic districts.
Grant Writing & Funding Assistance — We prepare and administer Minnesota Historical Society Legacy Grants, Certified Local Government (CLG) applications, and other funding sources that support preservation and planning work.
Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Studies — We assess existing buildings for reuse potential, integrating code, zoning, accessibility, and programmatic requirements into adaptive design strategies.