Historic Architecture and Public Infrastructure
Hunter Research offers a full range of historic architectural services including reconnaissance surveys, intensive-level surveys, planning studies and historical contexts, and historical documentations in accordance with the requirements of the National Park Service and state historic preservation offices. Many of these studies are conducted for compliance with federal, state, county and municipal preservation laws or regulations.
We are often called upon to document and report on historic buildings, structures and landscapes undergoing alteration, demolition or relocation. These projects usually involve recording through the preparation of historic narratives, drawings and photographs in accordance with the requirements of the Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/Historic American Landscapes Survey (HABS/HAER/HALS).
Much of the Hunter Research work portfolio centers on providing technical support for the rehabilitation, maintenance and replacement of public infrastructure, most notably in the fields of transportation and water supply. Through many years of working for state and county highway departments, the company is exceptionally well-versed in the intricacies of cultural resource management as applied in highway planning, and offers particular expertise in the evaluation and treatment of historic bridges. We also maintain a strong specialty in the analysis and management of historic canals, reservoirs, mills and engineering structures.
The company’s architectural historians frequently work alongside architects, engineers and planners producing historic structures reports and preservation plans, sometimes taking the lead on specific projects of this type. We have teamed successfully with many of the leading architects and consulting engineers in the region. Hunter Research is experienced in dealing with the complex regulatory and coordination requirements of preservation, rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration projects needing to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Sample Projects Include:
Ocean City Historic District Intensive-Level Architectural Survey
Ocean City, Cape May County, New Jersey
In 2017-18, Hunter Research surveyed over 500 buildings in the Ocean City Historic District, Ocean City, Cape May County, New Jersey as a response to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Continue
New Hampshire Historic Bridge Inventory Update and Management Plan
Statewide, New Hampshire
This multi-year (2016-19), multi-phase project involved the planning and implementation of New Hampshire’s first comprehensive historic bridge inventory, evaluating the National Register status and eligibility of over 2,600 bridges statewide. Continue
Levine Reservoir Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Documentation
City of Paterson, New Jersey
Hunter Research assisted the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) with fulfilling its responsibilities under the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act to mitigate modifications to upgrade the reservoir for public health and safety. Continue
Historic Canals (Delaware and Raritan Canal; Morris Canal; Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; Gowanus Canal; Paterson Raceway System)
Mid-Atlantic Region
Our firm’s historians and industrial archaeologists have decades of experience evaluating historical significance and integrity, as well as assisting architects and engineers with the preservation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of historic canals that avoid or minimize adverse effects. Continue
West Orange Neighborhoods
West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey
Since 2014, Hunter Research has conducted preservation planning studies and intensive-level historic architectural surveys of the Main Street, St. Cloud, and Upper and Lower Gregory neighborhoods in West Orange under tight grant deadliness. Continue
State of New Jersey Departments of Health & Agriculture Buildings, Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey
City of Trenton, New Jersey
Hunter Research has worked closely with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority providing cultural resources compliance services for the construction of two new state office buildings in downtown Trenton. Continue
Frank Sinatra Post Office, Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey
City of Hoboken, New Jersey
The company has been the cultural resources consultant for a private-public partnership that is currently redeveloping the Frank Sinatra Post Office. The project includes upgrading the post office for continued service, preserving its historic architectural character, while developing its parking lot for an adjoining new high-rise waterfront hotel. Continue