San Francisco’s architecture is among its most memorable features. From stately Victorians to Beaux-Arts icons to futurist landmarks, our buildings reflect our rich history and shape our everyday experiences. As the city evolves, it’s important to honor this architectural heritage and preserve the unique look and feel of San Francisco.
Appreciation for historic architecture and efforts to preserve historic buildings have led to extraordinary growth in the restoration industry, both in San Francisco and around the world. But while we seek to preserve and revitalize the impressive buildings of the past, the ways in which we work are changing. The top historic restoration trends of 2021 reflect both new opportunities and shifting needs.
Top 4 Historic Restoration Industry Trends in 2021
The restoration industry is constantly evolving. New materials and methods emerge. Tastes change. Updated policies offer new guidance. In 2021, the top historic restoration trends include:
1. Innovation and Technology
Technology is becoming increasingly available to restoration contractors, transforming our everyday work lives. Increased connectivity, specialized software suites, and digital marketing campaigns are allowing historical building contractors to improve communication, streamline workflows, and connect to clients in new ways.
One of the most exciting innovations is intelligent analytics platforms. Platforms like onPoint Analytics can continuously analyze data from network-connected devices and building systems to provide deep insight into energy usage, equipment performance, and maintenance needs. While this can be valuable for any building, it can be particularly important to optimize operational efficiency in historic buildings and ensuring they meet modern standards.
In 2021, one of the most sought-after features of intelligent analytics will be the ability to monitor air quality. The pandemic and the fires we have seen in the past year have made air quality a significant concern, and the right analytics software can provide actionable insights to reduce pollutants while offering reassurance to occupants.
2. Weather and Waterproofing
2020’s volatile weather and natural disasters have made weatherproofing more imperative than ever before. And while San Francisco has experience with earthquakes and wildfires, one of the most important environmental threats to historic buildings is water.
The design, materials, and aging of historic architecture leave these buildings particularly vulnerable to water intrusion. Waterproofing is therefore an essential part of restoration projects, offering protection from costly repairs and helping to preserve historic features. A recent example of a major waterproofing and restoration project is the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Building in Marin County, which was transformed by the restoration of its 220,000 square foot, concrete barrel roof.
3. Specialization
Standards for restoration quality are increasing as the public gains greater awareness of historic architecture, buildings must conform to stricter guidelines, and restoration projects are integrated with new construction. As such, there is a growing need for contractors who specialize in historic restoration and have the expertise necessary to produce excellent results.
However, even historic restoration specialists don’t necessarily have experience working with all types of buildings or building features, and more refined specialization is often necessary to guarantee the best outcomes. These specializations include wood window repairs and masonry and terra cotta restoration. In the Bay Area, the Pioneer Building and the Key at 12th are prime examples of successful restorations of intricate architecture made possible by specialized restoration contractors.
4. Safety
COVID-19 presents new safety concerns for contractors and clients. Although safety should always be a top priority, it is now more imperative than ever. From the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to eliminating infection risks to taking proper safety precautions, historic restoration contractors must use every precaution to protect workers and clients.
Many of these trends have developed at least in part due to the unique events of 2020, but they are likely to become essential parts of the industry for years to come.
Embracing Building Restoration Market Trends for 2021
San Francisco Bay Area’s heritage is deeply entrenched in the character of our historic buildings. By preserving and restoring these buildings, we bring San Francisco’s past to life again and make it part of our future. Embracing 2021’s best historic restoration industry trends will give us the tools to do this in the best way possible, for our team, our clients, and our community.
Rainbow is honored to be trusted with some of the Bay Area’s most important historic restorations. While we always honor the past, we are excited to incorporate new tools and perspectives as we take our next steps.
The Rainbow Team is Northern California’s most trusted waterproofing and restoration company. We have the craftsmanship and expertise to handle any commercial or historic building envelope, masonry, or waterproofing project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
From terra cotta to concrete, windows to roofs, our team can restore, preserve, and update your building’s facade, masonry, and foundation to better-than-new conditions. Connect with our team to protect your investment from the elements.
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