Understanding the Design Guidelines

It is highly recommended to meet with Preservation staff in the early stages of the design process for a project.  This is a valuable exercise that can help provide guidance for achieving a successful project that meets the Design Guidelines.

Researching Historic Properties

Researching a historic property is important to understand history and planning a project. Below are some resources that can be used to find historical information about your property.

If the property is located in a National Register Historic District, the listing and historic photos are available to view on the National Park Service Archive.

Certificates of Appropriateness and Building Permits

The City of Franklin retains records of past building permits and issued Certificates of Appropriateness for projects. A Records Request can be completed for a search of City Records about your property. 

Sanborn Maps (Coming Soon)

Sanborn maps were created for insurance purposes in the 19^th and 20^th century and can now be examined to learn about the history of a building, materials, additions, and other information.  They are available on the Historic Resources Map.

Williamson County Property Assessor

The Assessor’s Office may be able to provide insight to the history of a property by noting additions and other structures. Please reach out to the property assessor’s office if you are searching for the age of potential structures or additions by investigating increased assessed values or notes about the property.

Historic photographs can provide insight into the history of a property.  Rick Warwick, the Williamson County Historian, maintains an online photo archive of Williamson County photos available on Flickr. 

Preservation Briefs

Preservation Briefs are issued by the National Park Service as part of the The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. They provide best practice treatments for historic buildings. Below are a few highlighted briefs of commonly asked questions and concerns.  All of the Preservation Briefs are available online.

The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows 

New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns

Understanding Old Buildings: The Process of Architectural Investigation

Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings

Best Practices for Property Maintenance

Preservation of historic properties begins with regular maintenance and inspection of properties and buildings. Knowing how to best take care of the structures and grounds can help preserve the historic resources in the long term, which can involve doing research and consulting with a professional when needed.  The resources below are from different organizations across the country that work with historic properties and provide guidance on common maintenance needs:

Maintaining Historic Buildings National Parks Service Reading List

Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium Size Historic Buildings

Best Practice Guide to Historic Property Owners' Handbook from the Texas Historical Commission