Adaptive Re-Use and Feasibility Studies
Overview
The Conservancy has long been focused on the sustainability of communities and landscapes. We work hard to further this mission through land conservation and—more uniquely in the conservation arena—through historic preservation and the revitalization of older communities. Conservancy staff members partner with clients and colleagues to evaluate buildings and structures in older communities, particularly historic and brownfield sites, to determine the feasibility of re-use and rehabilitation.
Methods
The feasibility study process is often seen as an intermediate stage in the planning process. Once sites have been identified as priorities for conservation, an evaluation of the costs and benefits, as well as the various strategic approaches that could be taken, is completed. This work is accomplished in close concert with local partners. It is a more rapid analysis than many planning processes and focuses on the feasibility of uses of the location given the current state of the resource, the goals of the partner organizations, and the logistical and legal constraints of the location. Our approach almost always includes community input through surveys or public listening sessions. Finally, our staff will estimate financial costs for implementing each alternative.
Project Highlights
The Moffat Estate is a 100 year-old, 40-acre estate in Covington Township, Lackawanna County. The Conservancy worked with the township and a local college to evaluate alternative uses of the building and grounds. Our rapid evaluation over a period of four months looked at the community’s needs, the township’s goals, and the physical site and the opportunities it affords. Our recommendations have already begun to be implemented, and real results are being seen in this small Northeastern Pennsylvania coal community. Read more about the Moffat Estate project.
Other adaptive re-use and feasibility studies we’ve performed for municipalities throughout the region include: