Historic is not necessarily a ticket for development!

The possibilities of developing older stock of structures is very tempting. The thinking that funds are "waiting" for someone to find a building with a  a new or reusable function can lead one down a long pursuit toward hope which doesn't exist.
The building above indicates a 1909 clubhouse which was modified in the 60's and has some very interesting architectural features. I am told by architectural historians at Williamsburg that historic designations, especially around the historic triangle, are part of a fifty year sliding scale. In other words, if a building today wanted to be considered it needed to be built before the 1960's for consideration. With That being said, many buildings will only gain partial or no designation if they meet  strick requirement, while other sturctures in better shape will have a much more cost effective chance of gaining funds for renovation. In any event, it may be of more worthwhile effort to pursue private funding.

In the building above many characteristics are design features which are nice but do not represent design innovations. In this particular case historic preservation may be the last course to pursue. Wonderful place and wonderful people can have high hopes that lead to good intensions.