Last week, Taylor Research Group (TRG) attended Joe Himali’s History Salon at Hill Center, where we were able to network with Washington, DC-area historians engaged in historic property management and preservation. David Bell, of BELL Architects, led attendees on a tour of Hill Center, the former Old Naval Hospital commissioned in 1864, which is now a vibrant multi-use venue. BELL Architects led Old Naval Hospital’s restoration in the late 2000s, so the tour provided a unique perspective into the process of rehabilitating this historic building for future generations to enjoy.

TRG also attended the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s (CHRS) Preservation Café, where representatives of The L’Enfant Trust discussed the history and contributions of their non-profit. Since 1978, The L’Enfant Trust has preserved many of Washington, DC’s historic neighborhoods and streetscapes, serving as the managing trust for over 1,150 easements across the city. Such easements between property owners and qualified preservation organizations ensure the preservation of historic building exteriors and surrounding property. Easements afford a one-time tax deduction as well as access to The L’Enfant Trust’s expertise and property maintenance resources. 

At TRG we are passionate about history, and in addition to satisfying our own curiosity, as historic property research specialists, TRG finds that high quality presentations such as these often point to specific ways in which our services can be beneficial. For instance, at TRG we assist in evaluating the historical significance of  properties—a necessary step in donating an easement. Whether it be for easement purposes, to commemorate an anniversary, or for their own general interest, we look forward to helping our clients explore the history of their properties.