Expertise in the
Most Challenging Properties
Coastal and historic properties come with unique challenges: complex permitting, strict regulations, and the delicate balance of preserving character while meeting modern needs. At Hill & Harbor Design + Build, we have built our expertise around these exact complexities, handling every regulatory hurdle so you can focus on the excitement of creating your dream home.
Own a historic home you actually want to live in.
You bought the house for its character. You should not have to give up light, flow, or a modern kitchen to keep it. We design and build the whole renovation under one roof, so the preservation approvals, the structural work and the finishes are all one team's responsibility. You are never the referee between an architect and a contractor.
What You Keep, What You Gain
Harmonizing Period Charm with Contemporary Living.
When undertaking a historic renovation, the challenge is understanding how to preserve centuries-old architectural heritage while seamlessly integrating the luxurious comforts a modern family requires. Our integrated Rhode Island design-build team ensures new finishes, bespoke cabinetry and contemporary layouts flow naturally alongside preserved period elements.
Historic District Commissions
- Certificate of Appropriateness applications
- Presentation before local HDC boards statewide
- Material and window replacement compliance
- Addition design per Secretary of the Interior's Standards
State & Federal Preservation
- RIHPHC review coordination
- Historic tax credit eligibility guidance
- National Register compliance
- Preservation consultant coordination
Design-Build Execution
- Design aligned with commission requirements before application
- Craftsmanship that protects irreplaceable historic fabric
- Integrated permitting, construction and interiors
- Realistic HDC timelines built into every schedule
Homes Like Yours, Finished
Historic Renovations, Approved and Completed on Schedule.
Six Twelve, Providence East Side.
Complete historic renovation and second-floor addition on a 1930 Spanish Revival in 10 months.
Two Ninety, Blackstone Boulevard.
Complete historic renovation and two additions on a 1911 property in 10 months.
Three Thirty, Cherry-Hallworth House.
An 8,600-square-foot Providence property revitalized in 8 months.
Commission review is why most historic projects slip. Not ours.
We evaluate HDC jurisdictions at the outset and design to what the commission expects to see, so applications are approved rather than revised through multiple hearings. The review calendar is built into your schedule from day one.
Questions
Common questions
Hill & Harbor prepares Certificate of Appropriateness applications, presents before local HDC boards statewide, and designs additions to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards so the application matches what the commission expects to see.
Yes. The team coordinates RIHPHC review, historic tax credit eligibility guidance, National Register compliance, and preservation consultant coordination alongside the design-build work.
Yes. Designs are aligned with commission requirements before application, and realistic HDC timelines are built into every schedule so preservation review does not become a surprise delay.
Hill & Harbor understood our historic home's character from the first meeting. They navigated the commission process efficiently and delivered a renovation that feels both authentic and completely livable for our family.
Providence Client
Historic renovation