Trust for Architectural Easements Enforces Historic Preservation in New York City

Sept. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- The Trust for Architectural Easements, a non-profit 501(c) (3) historic preservation organization based in Washington, DC, is completing its annual easement monitoring efforts in New York.

Every year the Trust for Architectural Easements, as a partner in the responsible stewardship of a historic building, monitors each of the more than 825 historic properties on which it holds easements. The Trust monitors each building to ensure that its unique architectural characteristics are protected and preserved for future generations by requiring compliance with the alteration and maintenance provisions of the easement. The Trust’s role includes approving all alterations to the protected facades of the building, which often include the entire exterior and rooftop, and ensuring proper maintenance of the building’s historic fabric.

The Trust conducts these monitoring inspections at least once every year, requiring that owners of easement-encumbered properties provide a Trust staff member access to the protected facades, as defined in the easement. During the monitoring appointment, the inspector will take photographs of all protected facades and make notes regarding any areas of concern, including deferred maintenance and ongoing work. The Trust inspector will later compare the new photographs of the property to the baseline photographs and description of the property stored in files at Trust offices.

“The Trust’s annual monitoring process is a great reminder of the value that the Trust and other easement holding organizations provide to society, “ say’s Trust for Architectural Easements founder, Steven McClain.

The Trust for Architectural Easements is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to be a leading force in the protection of America’s architectural heritage. The Trust accomplishes this goal by promoting voluntary preservation through easement donations and education about historic preservation and architectural history. The Trust currently serves areas in New England and Middle and South Atlantic states including Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and the New York City metropolitan areas including historic districts in Connecticut and New Jersey.

To learn more about the Trust for Architectural Easements, visit the Trust’s website at www.architecturaltrust.org.

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The Trust for Architectural Easements is one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to voluntary preservation through easement donations. The Trust protects more than 800 historic buildings across the United States.