Easton Architects presents Pine Hills reconnaissance survey; HRC told eight areas merit next-step intensive study

Albany City’s Historic Resources Commission on Tuesday reviewed a reconnaissance-level survey of the Pine Hills neighborhood prepared by Easton Architects, which recommended eight smaller areas within a large study boundary for follow-up intensive survey and potential National Register consideration.

"The purpose of reconnaissance surveys is to gain a better understanding of broader trends and patterns within a survey area as opposed to intensive level surveys," said Siri Olson, director of preservation policy and planning at Easton Architects, during the presentation. Easton’s team emphasized that reconnaissance work is intended to identify patterns and potential districts, while intensive surveys provide the building-level documentation needed to make eligibility determinations for the State and National Registers.

The consultant team said the project began with a boundary identified in Albany’s 2019 historic preservation plan and was narrowed with Department of Planning and Development staff. Fieldwork combined on-foot survey and short windshield survey segments; documentary research drew…