Historic + Preservation

DHARAM CONSULTING

Historic buildings require a level of technical sensitivity, investigative rigor, and design coordination unmatched in most project types. Preservation work must honor architectural heritage while integrating modern systems, enhancing performance, and extending the lifespan of irreplaceable structures. These projects often involve unknown conditions, complex phasing, specialized trades, regulatory oversight, and the need for highly tailored construction solutions. 

Dharam Consulting provides the cost and risk leadership required to deliver historically significant projects with accuracy, respect, and long-term value. 

Relevant Projects

  • Indoor botanical garden with a fountain, surrounded by plants and classical columns, beneath a curved glass ceiling

    Frick Collection and Art Reference Library Renovation | New York, NY

    The Frick Collection renovation involved the sensitive restoration and modernization of approximately 200,000 SF within a landmark historic institution. The project expanded public access while integrating modern systems within a constrained preservation context, requiring careful cost planning and scope management. Selldorf Architects - © Andrew Smith

  • People walking outside the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in a city street, with a modern black building, trees, and a streetlamp.

    MoMA Expansion & Renovation | New York, NY

    The Museum of Modern Art expansion added 40,000 SF of new gallery space and included 110,000 SF of renovations to existing historic areas, enhancing visitor circulation and exhibition flexibility. The project reorganized the entrance sequence and introduced a new glass-walled gallery opening onto 53rd Street. Working alongside Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Gensler, Dharam provided strategic cost management during pre-schematic design to support planning and budget alignment. Diller Scofidio + Renfro - © ajay_suresh (CC BY 2.0)

  • Historic green brick building with pointed roofs under a blue sky, with people walking and sitting in the courtyard.

    University of Pennsylvania College Hall Restoration | Philadelphia, PA

    Restoration of College Hall, one of the University of Pennsylvania’s most iconic historic buildings, included comprehensive exterior envelope repairs and modernization of interior systems. Work encompassed serpentine stone replacement, interior upgrades, MEP renewal, and life-safety improvements, preserving the building’s architectural character while ensuring long-term performance and functionality. Atkin Olshin Schade.

  • Modern outdoor staircase with illuminated steps surrounded by stone walls, leading down to a lower level in an urban plaza with trees, benches, and historic buildings in the background.

    Yale University Schwarzman Center | New Haven, CT

    The 130,000 SF restoration and expansion of Yale’s historic Commons building transformed the facility into the Schwarzman Center, a hub for student life and cultural programming. Work included underground and upper-level additions, façade restoration, roofing replacement, and full MEP modernization, preserving the building’s architectural heritage while supporting contemporary performance, dining, and gathering spaces. © Robert A.M. Stern Architects

  • An indoor sports facility with a large open field, bright ceiling lights, and a person practicing soccer kicks with a cart of soccer balls nearby.

    Beloit College Powerhouse Redevelopment | Beloit, WI

    This adaptive reuse project transformed a historic power plant into a modern student recreation and wellness facility for Beloit College. The redevelopment integrates preserved industrial elements with contemporary structural systems and building services, creating flexible athletic, training, and community spaces while celebrating the site’s industrial heritage. Studio Gang.

  • A historic university building with a clock tower, red brick and white stone accents, surrounded by trees, with students walking nearby.

    SUNY Geneseo Sturges Hall Renovation | Geneseo, NY

    The 53,000 SF renovation of Sturges Hall reimagined the historic structure as a museum and cultural venue featuring complex façade restoration and multi-use public spaces. Interior upgrades support exhibitions, events, and academic programming, while improvements to building systems and accessibility ensure long-term functionality within the preserved historic fabric. Flynn Battaglia Architects

Why Dharam

HISTORIC + PRESERVATION

  • We are experienced with projects governed by campus heritage guidelines, state historic preservation offices, national registry requirements, institutional oversight, and landmark commissions. Our estimates reflect the real implications of restoration standards, material sourcing, and specialized workmanship. 

  • Historic structures frequently involve concealed conditions, structural unpredictability, hazardous materials, envelope failures, and aging MEP infrastructure. We bring rigor to early-stage investigations and scenario modeling, helping clients plan with clarity despite uncertainty. 

  • Restoration-grade stonework, historic masonry, custom millwork, replication of ornamental elements, glazing upgrades, roofing restoration, and preservation-sensitive MEP routing all require precise, experience-led cost modeling. We actively track specialty contractor markets to ensure realistic pricing.  

  • Many historic buildings remain in partial use during renovation. We evaluate logistics, temporary works, protection strategies, swing spaces, and phased construction to maintain continuity of operations with minimal disruption. 

  • We help institutions, architects, and cultural organizations balance authenticity, performance, cost, and sustainability—ensuring informed decision-making that respects both the past and future of the asset.