Education

Due Diligence in Historic Redevelopment

At Environmental Works, we’re committed to revitalizing our communities while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Our team considers historic redevelopment to be one of the best large-scale recycling strategies, as it represents a community investment that will benefit generations to come. As with any major property development, there are several environmental concerns for historic redevelopers to consider. Fortunately, we can help with due diligence concerns in historic redevelopment projects.

Due Diligence in Historic Redevelopment

Environmental Concerns in Historic Redevelopment

Historic preservation is a key way to retain a community’s unique sense of place, support the local economy, and encourage a lasting spirit of community engagement. Redeveloping historic properties is also an excellent way to promote a sustainable community, as many historic rehabilitation efforts can be both energy efficient and relatively cost effective. This is especially true in comparison to new development. However, there are several environmental due diligence concerns pertaining to historic redevelopment. Developers should work with an expert like EWI to make sure no stone goes unturned during the redevelopment process.

Federal Funding

At EWI, we are committed to historic revitalization, which includes guiding developers through federal funds for brownfields projects. By definition, brownfields are underutilized pieces of property – former industrial or commercial sites, for example – where future use is complicated by environmental compliance issues. Fortunately, brownfield redevelopment doesn’t have to be an ordeal, and it comes with a fair amount of federal support – especially with a partner like EWI. EWI has completed hundreds of brownfield restoration initiatives, revitalizing properties in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as local and state governments.

Harmful Substances

Redeveloping historic property means coming to terms with the lax building regulations of days gone by. That includes everything from the presence of asbestos to walls slathered in lead-based paint, both of which are scenarios that require stabilization. Developers working on historic properties must conduct thorough building inspections to identify and resolve potentially hazardous phenomena. This extends to site exteriors, which may require storage tank removal or the cleanup of ground contaminants.

Our Projects

EWI is thankful to be heavily involved with the redevelopment of thriving communities like the following:

  • Springfield, Missouri: Environmental Works is one of few Springfield, Missouri, contractors to work under the City of Springfield’s Brownfields Development Grant. As a result, EWI has participated in several major Springfield EPA-certified property initiatives, which have been in partnership with both private developers and the City of Springfield.
  • Kansas City, Missouri: Environmental Works is also a designated environmental contractor for the city of Kansas City, Missouri, allowing us to work under a federally funded historic redevelopment grant. Grants like these allow us to help redevelop underutilized sites – for example, those within the now-bustling Kansas City Crossroads Arts District. Our relationships with developers within the Crossroads District allow us to make firsthand contributions to Kansas City’s ongoing redevelopment.

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Although there are several due diligence concerns that accompany historic redevelopment, these concerns are typically fairly straightforward to resolve. Our experienced Environmental Due Diligence team is your best resource for historic redevelopment projects, combining a deep familiarity with lending programs (like the EPA’s Brownfields Program) and industry expertise to help speed up loan processing and property closing. Our team also offers an outstanding track record when it comes to complex real estate assessments and historic development initiatives. Ultimately, it all comes down to a passion for improving our neighborhood.

Are you pursuing a historic redevelopment project? Give Environmental Works a call. We have in-house due diligence experts with decades of experience ready to help. We walk you through the specifics of redevelopment, including asbestos abatement, brownfields project funding options, and more. When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 417-890-9500 for more information.

Environmental Works

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