Historic Preservation Services in Alabama & the Southeast
Our Historic Preservation Services in the Southeast
TVAR’s historic preservation team conducts architectural history surveys, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility evaluations, and mitigation studies to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Specifically, our services include Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) documentation, historic context development, and adverse effect determinations for federal undertakings across Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and the broader Southeast.
SPARKMAN HOMES
The post-World War II era is a unique study in American cultural and architectural history. As soldiers returned from the war, governments constructed public housing to provide homes for soldiers and their families. In the South, many such housing projects were racially segregated; however, many later transitioned out of public housing as new, inexpensive single-family house designs and created new opportunities in the post-war era.
The Huntsville Housing Authority (Huntsville, Alabama) built Sparkman Homes in 1964 as part of the city’s efforts to provide affordable housing. Later, in 2018, the HHA decided to re-house the residents of Sparkman Homes, named for Senator Joe Sparkman, and demolish the units. However, the Alabama Historic Commission deemed the property as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and as part of mitigation efforts required its full documentation.
In partnership with the HHA, TVAR completed the necessary documentation in early 2019.
INGLEWOOD PLACE HISTORIC DISTRICT
As part of Section 106 compliance requirements, TVAR conducted a survey and assessment of the Inglewood Place Historic District to determine the potential impact of a proposed undertaking. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A and C in 2016, Inglewood Place is the second oldest neighborhood in the Inglewood suburb of east Nashville. Originally, it was laid out in 1909 along a streetcar line connecting the area to downtown.
The boundaries of the historic district encompass 484 parcels of land, 468 residential buildings, and 131 secondary buildings. Most houses within the historic district represent styles constructed between 1920 and 1949. Among these historic properties is Ivy Hall, individually placed on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C in 1995 for its representation of the Tudor Revival style.
In addition to the historic homes contained within the Inglewood district, the powerline corridor now owned by TVA originated in 1929 under the ownership of the Tennessee Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
Our Documentation Standards
TVAR’s architectural historians document historic properties across the Southeast, ranging from nineteenth-century neighborhoods to mid-century industrial sites. Every report follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. In addition, we meet State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requirements in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and nearby states.
Need a quick reconnaissance survey? A full historic property inventory? Complete Section 106 consultation support? TVAR delivers accurate, professionally prepared documentation on schedule and within budget.
Regional Experience You Can Trust
TVAR has worked across seven southeastern states, which gives us strong SHPO relationships and deep regional knowledge. As a result, our documentation meets the standards required for National Register nominations, Section 4(f) evaluations, and environmental impact assessments.
TVAR is a woman-owned firm, and we treat every historic property with care. For over 14 years, we’ve brought that same commitment to accuracy and professional integrity to every project.
Working Alongside Archaeological Surveys
Historic preservation work often overlaps with other services. For example, we frequently pair it with Phase I, II, and III archaeological surveys and archival and cultural resource research. Together, these services help meet Section 106 compliance requirements across Alabama and the Southeast.
TVAR surveys historic buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts, handling both quick reconnaissance surveys and intensive evaluations. Specifically, our architectural historians document resources from the Colonial period through the mid-twentieth century, with particular expertise in vernacular residential architecture, industrial heritage, agricultural complexes, and Civil Rights-era properties.
Every survey is tailored to the scope and regulatory requirements of the specific undertaking.
Section 106 Adverse Effect & Mitigation
When a project threatens historic properties, TVAR helps agencies and project proponents navigate the Section 106 adverse effect process. In this role, our team prepares Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation, and we also develop programmatic agreements and memoranda of agreement with State Historic Preservation Offices and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
We know these regulatory timelines matter, so our team works proactively to keep your project on schedule, while making sure affected historic properties receive the treatment they deserve.
National Register Nominations
TVAR also prepares National Register of Historic Places nominations, whether required as Section 106 mitigation or requested by a property owner or local government. In every case, our team researches, documents, and presents a compelling case for listing.
Our nominations have succeeded for properties of every size, from single residential structures to multi-block urban historic districts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Preservation Services
TVAR provides architectural history surveys, historic structure assessments, National Register of Historic Places nominations, Section 106 consultation support, and historic preservation compliance documentation for projects across Alabama and the Southeast.
A historic structure report (HSR) is a comprehensive document that records a building’s history, significance, existing conditions, and treatment recommendations. HSRs are required by the National Park Service for federally funded preservation projects and guide rehabilitation and restoration work.
TVAR’s architectural historians identify and evaluate historic properties within project areas, prepare National Register eligibility assessments, and coordinate with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) to satisfy Section 106 requirements for federal undertakings in Alabama and the Southeast.
Yes. TVAR’s architectural historians and historic preservation specialists prepare National Register nominations for historic districts, buildings, structures, objects, and sites throughout Alabama and the Southeast. We work with property owners, agencies, and preservation organizations to achieve NRHP listing.
