Basic Preservation Guidelines For Occupants of Historic Military Family Housing Barksdale AFB, LA January, 2011
Introduction If you have recently been assigned to Historic Military Family Housing at Barksdale, you need to be aware of the importance of this housing to the base, and, in effect, to the nation. Your quarters have been identified as historically significant for one, or more, of the following reasons: when it was built, who lived in it, the architect who designed it, or for the part it played in history. These historic places need to be protected and preserved for future generations. Purpose This handbook is designed to help you understand how Congress, the Department of the Air Force, your base commander, your housing office and you can work together to maintain the historic integrity and well-being of your quarters. Although the landlord, in this case, the base commander, must make decisions regarding long-term maintenance and routine up-keep, your help is an integral part of the effort to treat our historic military quarters with the respect they deserve. This handbook can help you determine what constitutes the historic fabric of your house and how best you can preserve it. Frequently Asked Questions What is unique about the Historic Buildings here at Barksdale? The history and significance of buildings at Barksdale Air Force Base was recognized when the base was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 1992. As part of this register, and because of the large number of historic buildings involved, Barksdale has what is known as a Historic District. The district is unique for its properties as well as its planning. Barksdale's plan is based on a Beaux-arts radial pattern developed by landscape engineer Captain Norfleet G. Bone and his assistant, Mr. Hugh K. Harris, landscape architect, in the early 1930's. Plant materials native to the area, such as live oaks, were used in the landscape design. The structures of the Historic District were all built between 1930 and 1941 in the French Colonial Revival Style and are characterized by terra-cotta and stucco walls, hipped and gabled red-tile roofs, French windows, and wrought-iron rails. In addition to being architecturally significant, many of the houses in the district have been home to distinguished military families. Some of the more distinctive non-housing properties are also historically significant. What is unique about the architectural style of these buildings? The French Colonial Revival, or French Eclectic, style is the predominant architectural stylistic influence at Barksdale AFB.
The style was used on all original buildings on the base, with the exception of aircraft hangars and some functional building types such as warehouses and shops. The French Colonial Revival style, distinguished by its recall of the French Colonial architecture of Louisiana and the region around the Mississippi River, has a number of identifying characteristics. These characteristics include: Steeply-pitched hipped-roof with dormers Masonry or stucco exterior wall surface with articulated banding or quoins Articulated entryway Ornamental ironwork Shuttered, multi-light wood or metal windows French doors Tall chimneys The French Colonial Revival style, as interpreted and constructed at Barksdale AFB is complemented by the Beaux-Arts plan into which it was placed. The Beaux-Arts style, a formal city planning methodology that had its origins in France during the 19 th century relies on axial and radial symmetry. Relying on long axial vistas, intersecting radial streets, formal landscaping, amenities, and repetition, the Beaux-Arts plan at Barksdale AFB is an excellent example of the style. What is meant by stewardship of historic building elements? The rehabilitation and continued use of historic quarters requires the periodic repair and alteration of the original building. Cyclical maintenance for historic quarters will decrease the frequency of major repairs through early detection of potential problems. Maintaining original building features that define character is the preferred preservation option. In places where original building fabric has deteriorated, repairing original elements is preferable to replacement. Replacement should be considered only for severely deteriorated original elements and should use similar materials and design. Alterations to original building elements should be approached with caution to avoid damage to important features. Changes to one element may affect the appearance and operation of a seemingly unrelated system. For example, enclosing a porch may alter the ventilation system of the house and subsequently require the addition of air conditioners. Condensation draining from a window air conditioning unit may create a rising damp problem in previously dry foundation walls. Repairs should be compatible with historic elements and building materials. Well intentioned, but inappropriate intervention can result in damage and deterioration rather than preservation.
Here is what to look for in maintenance of different building elements: Interiors Rehabilitation seeks to balance respect for historic houses with recognition of the residents' modern needs. Removal or alteration of interior spaces, features, and finishes results in the incremental loss of irreplaceable historic materials. When cleaning, the gentlest methods and products should be used. Removing or stripping historic finishes, such as paints and varnishes, is not recommended. If an historic architectural feature must be replaced, the replacement should be of similar design and materials as the original. Consult with Housing Maintenance before this undertaking. Masonry Signs of problems with masonry include cracking, loose pieces, spalling or surface flaking, and crumbling mortar. These could be signs of more serious structural or water damage problems and should be investigated soon after discovery. Entrances and Porches Doors, sidelights, transoms, and molding compose the entrance. Maintenance of these elements requires periodic, gentle cleaning and inspection for deteriorating pieces. Wood Water and ultraviolet light are major causes of deterioration in exterior wooden building components. Ultraviolet light breaks down wood fiber creating brittle material. Water penetration creates an environment conducive to fungus and insect infestation. Evidence of termites, such as wings and casings, should be reported immediately. Regular maintenance, early detection, and correction are critical in extending the life of wood. Wooden elements should be inspected seasonally to ensure that water is draining away from the house. Windows Maintaining windows in good working order not only contributes to the appearance of the window, but also minimizes heat loss. Annual maintenance should include recaulking and weather-stripping for maximum energy efficiency.
Are there laws and regulations governing historic buildings? Yes, there are actually quite a few. For our purposes here at Barksdale, only the following will be mentioned. These are the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 as amended through 1992, the Archeological and Historical Preservation Act (AHPA) of 1974, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, National Register of Historic Places, and Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties. Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 to help prevent the loss of irreplaceable historic properties. The Act created the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to advise the President and Congress on matters involving historic, archaeological and cultural preservation. The Council is authorized to review and comment on all federal undertakings that may have an effect upon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The criteria of the National Register of Historic Places are used to determine "significant" properties. Under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Register includes districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture and culture. Federal land managers must develop programs to locate, identify, and evaluate all historic properties under their jurisdiction. In addition, all undertakings that may affect historic property must be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer for comment. Small repairs on our housing are exempted from this consultation requirement. The bottom line for all of this, is that historic military family housing is protected by federal law. Points of Contact The Landings at Barksdale Community Director Starla Wilson (Pinnacle AMS) 747-2723 swilson@pinnaclefamily.com The Landings at Barksdale Community Manager Dreamer Dowden (Pinnacle AMS) 747-2723 ddowden@pinnaclefamily.com The Landings at Barksdale Maintenance Manager Betty Thomas (Pinnacle AMS) 747-1667 bthomas@pinnaclefamily.com Government Housing Office Privatization Program Manager Bruce Cohn 456-4283 bruce.cohn@barksdale.af.mil Hunt Construction Superintendent Matt Hoel 741-9991 matt.hoel@huntcompanies.com Hunt Historic Renovation Foreman Bruce Jackson 741-9991 bruce.jackson@huntcompanies.com