Hi-
The old Opera House sounds like a treasure. Any work on something as rare as
that should follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation Revised 1990. In summary, it is best if a property can be
used for its historic purpose or a new one that requires minimal change to
the defining characteristics of the building and environment. Identify those
features that make it significant historically, culturally or architecturally.
Retain and preserve those features. Determine ways to curb deterioration. For
example repairing leaks in the roof. Use the gentlest methods possible -
this requires some research since many techniques that seem safe may be
damaging. Repair rather than replace features. If there must be
replacement it should be of the same material and design. This should be
substantiated through documentation such as old photographs and records.
If the same material cannot be used it should look and feel the same. Avoid
altering original materials and be careful of destroying archaeological
deposits on the property.
 
The State Historic Preservation Office or the National Trust for Historic
Preservation are good places to get the most recent information and
possibly funding. Good luck.
 
Joanne M. Sanfilippo
Archaeology Graduate Student
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
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