Historic CabinsRenovation Case Studies

Cabin 4BHoly Ghost Canyon Tract

Santa Fe National Forest, NM

Family Cabin since 1960

Stairway forced decision to add on

Before with crumbling rearretaining wall

1950’s dining room andbathroom addition

Single pane 60+ year oldwood casement windows

Replace dining room andbathroom and add bedroom

Initial permit and policy reviewfor project feasibility, Nov. 2015

Description of all exterior materials,roofing, siding, and windows

Why?• Cabins on Federal Lands via Special Use Permit• Permitted Actions on Federal Lands subjects the

Permittee to Federal Laws • Federal Regulations are in addition to Agency specific

and State/Local regulations• Federal Regulations include Historic Preservation Acts

& Laws

Earliest known photo circa 1928

School teacher owned in 1939

All alterations, repairs or improvements which may effect the historic integrity (AKA Eligibility) of the cabin will have to be reviewed by the District Archaeologist (or their representative) PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING.

Projects, Repairs, Issues, Etc.

• Review your Permit and Handbook

• Contact SUP Administrator

• Describe Project / Issue– Be Specific!

The historic preservation review is in conjunction with any permissions you need from the Permit

Administrator

Always let your Permit Administrator know of any alterations, repairs, or improvements regardless of the age of your cabin

– Permit Administrator will know if your project may require any additional review or permits.

Hire Professional to

do Historic Evaluation

Professional submits report

to USFS

USFS submits report to

SHPO

Work begins!

Talk with Permit Administrator

VARIABLE TIMEFRAME

START HERE

THE LESSON HERE IS…..• Anticipate projects and repairs• Contact Permit Administrator early in the

process• Allow PLENTY of time for Historic Preservation

review– At a minimum, 1 year for large projects

with no prior historic evaluation• IF you have to hire a professional to evaluate

your cabinMake it worth your money and time

• Think 10 -15 years out

First step was tomove the mountain

Next step is toretain the mountain

Foundation for new addition

Demo and foundation toreplace bathroom and dining room

Framing begins

Framing continues

Framing complete

Dried in and windows setafter two months

Shingleson roof and walls

Stonework

Flagstone patio

Round flagstoneseptic tank covers

Craftsman at work

Construction is messy

Native blue gramma

Native mountain grass seed

Five months after beginning

The new addition and renovation

That’s odd. I thought you said youdid a major addition and renovation

Before & After

Before & After

New bedroom

New bedroom

New bathroom

Entry mudroom

Our little cabin in the woods