CPG’s work initially focused on the historic rehabilitation tax credits for a significant renovation to the church’s sanctuary, but determined an update and expansion to the existing National Register Nomination was needed to include more modern, but historically significant, additions.
Commonwealth
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Community Engagement
Historic Building Renovation
Historic Research
Historic Research
Historic Resource Documentation
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
National Register Nominations
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Partners
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
National Park Service
Fairfield Foundation
University of Pennsylvania
Towson University
Project Goals
CPG was hired to consult on historic rehabilitation tax credits and complete an update and expansion to the National Register Nomination.
Project Design
CPG updated the existing National Register Nomination so all of the property’s resources could be included in the historic rehabilitation tax credit application.
The updated NRN expanded the architectural description, statement of significance, and added information that had been omitted in the 1979 nomination. This provided more recent documentation on the church and allowed all of the property’s resources to be included in the historic rehabilitation tax credit application.
Challenges & Accomplishments
As sanctuary renovation work started, unmarked crypts were discovered, launching an archaeological recovery and analysis project.
CPG engaged Fairfield Foundation’s services for the archaeological recovery work and staff from University of Pennsylvania and Towson University to oversee the forensic and a DNA analysis. This analysis uses relatively new technology, requiring close consultation (and permitting) from VDHR and extensive community engagement with St. Mary’s parishioners.