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 Preservation Planning Preservation planning plays a critical role in municipalities’ overall land-use planning. As preservation planners, we generally begin with the identification of properties that are significant to the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture of an area. Then we work with government planning agencies and citizen groups in developing a practical, realistic municipal plan that preserves these in a way that is harmonious with the current and future needs of the community. One of our unique strengths is our ability to consider preservation projects from multiple perspectives. In addition to her experience as an architect in private practice, Elise Johnson-Schmidt is also the owner of a historic building, which is about to undergo rehabilitation, and has  worked in both the public sector and the nonprofit preservation community. As Executive Director of Corning’s Market Street Restoration Agency for more than a decade, Elise worked with area merchants on façade restorations, signage and the development of upper story housing – all designed to contribute to the vitality and beauty of the downtown, while at the same time meeting contemporary commercial and residential needs. Other preservation planning efforts include an ongoing relationship with Chautauqua Institution, where she has overseen an assessment of the entire historic district of the 750-acre educational center with its remarkable collection of Victorian-era homes and public buildings. She regularly reviews proposed architectural project plans in context of the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for rehabilitation, and provides informative public lectures to Chautauqua property owners on aspects of historic architecture.