At Schmidt Associates, we understand that historic preservation is about more than restoring old buildings—it’s about preserving our heritage while shaping a better future. Currently, a dedicated team comprised of Trisha Martin, architectural graduate; Joseph Jarzen, client liaison; and Megan Smith, project manager, is embarking on a yearlong research initiative to spotlight the firm’s legacy in this field. This research will examine emerging trends, identify new opportunities, and highlight our ongoing commitment to preserving the spaces that shape our communities.

Workshop and Walking Tour

Recently, the team hosted the first of two collaborative workshops, drawing participation from Schmidt Associates staff and industry professionals. More than just a platform for sharing information, the workshop fostered dialogue, encouraging participants to rethink how we design within historic contexts. Discussions focused on preserving community needs, maximizing adaptive reuse potential, and maintaining the authenticity of historic structures.

Indianapolis has a rich preservation community, and events like this reinforce the strong connections among professionals in government, higher education, development, and advocacy. The workshop also emphasized the collective goal of improving design through the lens of preservation.

Following the workshop, attendees took a walking tour of Mass Ave, where they examined how historic preservation has impacted the district. From Schmidt Associates’ early work on the Davlan in the 1980s to the revitalization of the Bottleworks District, led by Hendricks Commercial Properties, participants discussed how thoughtful design can drive economic growth and enrich the cultural fabric of a community, offering them a chance to witness firsthand the transformative power of thoughtful preservation.

Why It Matters

Preserving historic spaces connects us to our past and gives future generations a sense of place. Schmidt Associates’ research will serve as a guide for navigating the complex preservation process, sharing best practices with our peers, and ensuring that historic places continue to enhance community life. By developing a preservation “guide,” we hope to inspire meaningful change in the way people experience their communities.

Building Our “Why” in Historic Preservation

Historic preservation has long been a cornerstone of our firm’s identity. Now, we’re focused on telling the larger story – one that illustrates our deep connection to these projects. As we look to the future, we’re focusing on four critical areas that will shape our approach moving forward:

1. Historic Preservation as a Key Workstream: With 70 percent of our projects involving renovations or additions, adaptive reuse and preservation are central to what we do. Indiana is a leader in preservation, and Schmidt Associates is proud to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and placemaking—both of which are increasingly important to quality of life. Integrating these principles into our designs is essential to our mission.
2. Leaning Into Our Firm’s History and Experience: Schmidt Associates has played a significant role in shaping Indianapolis’ historic character, with Wayne Schmidt himself instrumental in revitalizing Mass Avenue. Our own offices exemplify the possibilities of breathing new life into old spaces, and our experience positions us as trusted leaders in this field.
3. Differentiating Our Approach: We’re examining how other firms approach preservation to continuously improve. As a regional leader, we’re committed to ensuring our expertise in both the theory and practical implementation of preservation stands out to clients who rely on us for innovative, compliant, and thoughtful design solutions.
4. Navigating the Regulatory Environment: With recent discussions from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation about the Secretary of Interior’s Standards, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of evolving guidelines. Understanding these regulations ensures that our projects meet preservation standards while allowing for creativity and innovation.

Looking to the Future

As this project evolves, we look forward to sharing more insights, stories, and discoveries from our workshops, walking tours, and research. We are proud of our past, but we’re equally excited about how this work will shape the future of historic preservation.

As Pericles said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” This philosophy aligns with our approach at Schmidt Associates, where we believe that our legacy extends beyond the buildings we preserve—it’s in the stories we help tell, the communities we support, and the lasting impact we have on future generations.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore and share the evolving story of historic preservation at Schmidt Associates. Together, we’re not just preserving spaces; we’re weaving a legacy that enriches lives and strengthens communities.