Rural Residences and Farmsteads: Best Practices for Preservation and Design

Crankshaw, Ned; Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky

From Preservation Kentucky News, August 2011: "Since the Rural Heritage Development Initiative (RHDI) began in 2006, it was quickly clear that design recommendations were needed to help strengthen rural commercial centers; to maintain the character of the rural landscapes; and preserve existing buildings that make the region distinctive. To achieve this goal, Preservation Kentucky partnered with Ned Crankshaw, professor with the University of Kentucky’s Department of Landscape Architecture and his students as well as students from UK’s Historic Preservation Graduate Program. This working group looked at rural planning and zoning as well as architectural standards for the smallest communities--- often nestled at a “cross roads.” From this evaluation, a set of Rural Design Guidelines was developed." This document addresses design concerns for rural residences and farmsteads. From the document's introduction: "Farmsteads - collections of work buildings and at least one dwelling - are the signature feature of Kentucky's agricultural landscapes. Without farmsteads, there is simply land, perhaps beautiful in its own right but without a focus that represents the people who live on and work with the land. Most farms may not be directly engaged in rural heritage pursuits, but they are important to maintaining the rural quality of place. Many rural heritage activities, whether educational or commercial, take place on farmsteads and adapting these properties with thoughtfulness for their traditional character is essential to the success of rural heritage development." Funding for this project was provided in part through a 2010 Preserve America grant to the Kentucky State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 21-10-AP-5040) administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Rural Residences and Farmsteads: Best Practices for Preservation and Design

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