Dissecting the Code, Part 4 - Mixing Historic Districts with Modern Communities

Nancy Merrill, director of planning and development of Claremont, N.H., discusses how the 13,000-person town adapted zoning and code standards to encourage redevelopment efforts.

By ARCHITECT Staff

This is the fourth episode of ArchitectChats' "Dissecting the Code" series, examining the intricacies surrounding a topic that every architect needs to know: building codes. Previous episodes in this series are: "Raising Expectations," "Energy Essentials for Designers," and "Back to Basics."

For many cities and towns, historical structures contribute charm, value, and a sense of community that residents and visitors alike can appreciate. And while new construction is always an option, developers are realizing that restoring and repurposing old buildings can provide financial benefits such as tax breaks, grants, and federal government funding, while also preserving the fabric of a neighborhood.

The town of Claremont, N.H. began an effort in 2008 to reinvest in its historic downtown. Hoqever, the initiative required more than the updating of its infrastructure, but also of its longstading cose and zoning standards, which were hindering developers.

In this episode of ArchitectChats, Nancy Merrill, Claremont’s director of planning and development discusses how the 13,000-person town adapted its zoning and code standards to both encourage redevelopment efforts in Claremont’s downtown and to ensure the safety of its current and future residents.