5 East Market St Corning, NY 14830  607.937.1946 overview portfolio assessment  preservation planning downtown revitalization  grants code work context: inside & out  historic paint colors Assessment In the realm of historic preservation, “assessment” can refer either to the condition of a building or the feasibility of restoring it. Both may be needed when applying for a grant or for long-range planning. We provide a depth of experience in both types of assessment, and are frequently commissioned by clients funded through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Preliminary (prior to funding) condition assessments are the basis for creating a long-range plan for improvements and maintenance of an existing site. In feasibility assessments, all components and conditions of the structure are analyzed from roof to basement, and the study may also include an evaluation of problem areas and forecast a life span. The purpose of this process is to determine whether it is feasible to renovate a structure for its proposed use. The assessment may take into account both the architectural merits of the building and financial considerations of renovation. Shortcomings are identified, and possible solutions are generally offered. For example, a nineteenth century factory may have supporting columns that break up the interior space, interfering with the proposed new use of the space. The architect may offer some possible work-around solutions. Handicapped accessibility is often included in a feasibility assessment for a commercial or public building.