In 1978, preservation architect Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, opened an office in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. For over two decades, he grew the firm's reputation by unifying historic building methods and archaic materials with twenty-first century construction technologies. When he was appointed as California's State Historic Preservation Officer, the firm was renamed Heritage Architecture & Planning, representing our common goal-to breathe new life into historic buildings and places. More than forty years have passed, and our work can be experienced at many of the Southwest's most iconic buildings and sites.
From world-famous hotels to cherished schoolhouses, the diversity of projects is a hallmark of our firm. Our architects, planners, historians and conservators evaluate a building's condition, its cultural significance, innovate technical soutions, fulfill code requirements and explore adaptive reuse alternatives. It is our conviction that transforming historical places improves the cultural wealth of our communities. Our services are as diverse as our projects. Heritage specializes in renovation, preservation, modernization and rehabilitation of buildings of architectural distinction.
Many of Heritage's projects begin with research, historic and technical reports, historic surveys, master plans, design guidelines, code assessments, or feasibility studies. Our staff of architects and historians evaluate the character and condition of each building to understand the original design, subsequent alterations, and future needs. Heritage prepared Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation for this military testing facility at Morris Dam near Pasadena. Work included historical research, site investigation and a Memorandum of Agreement with the Navy, the California SHPO, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Work on existing and historic buildings requires special knowledge and care. The principal of "restore rather than replace" guides our preservation recommendations. Conserving original materials, enabling them to extend their useful lives, is key to any successful preservation or rehabilitation project. After being abandoned for more than 20 years, this 100,000 square foot Spanish-style landmark was threatened with demolition. Heritage worked with the owner and lead architect on a preservation and adaptive-reuse solution to create a dining and retail destination.
We are licensed in California, Arizona and Nevada, and have been recognized by the Secretary of the Interior for our specialization as historic architects, architectural historians and for the broader field of architecture.
Heritage offers full-service architecture and design work. Our design team can provide concept and space planning, construction documents, specifications, city permit processing, and construction observation. We coordinate our work with the region's best engineers and specialty consultants, tailored to the unique needs of each project. Heritage is the architect for the restoration of the front faade of the world-renowned Hotel del Coronado. Our tasks include reconstruction of the missing front veranda and stairs and redesign of the porte cochere canopy.
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