Schneider Historic Preservation, LLC

05/15/2026

Here’s a blast from the past — and still one of my favorite rehabilitation projects. During my time as Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County (1990–1995), I worked as a consultant on the rehabilitation of the former Follmer, Clogg & Company umbrella factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The complex was rehabilitated into affordable rental apartments by HDC (now HDC MidAtlantic), with Bradley, Chamber, Kaylor & Frey, Inc. serving as project architects.

The factory was constructed in stages between 1880 and 1905 and reflected the growth of one of Lancaster’s important industrial manufacturers. Follmer, Clogg & Company ceased operations in 1939, and the property was later acquired by Van Sciver Furniture Company in 1944, which used the building as a furniture store, warehouse, and repair facility until closing in 1982.

Over time, the building experienced a number of alterations, including the removal of its prominent corner tower. As part of the 1992 rehabilitation, the tower was completely reconstructed, restoring a defining architectural feature that had long been lost. The project remains a strong example of what can happen when a developer fully commits to both the preservation and long-term reuse of a historic industrial building. More than three decades later, it still stands out to me as one of the most rewarding and memorable rehabilitation projects I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to the Alabama Historical Commission on celebrating 60 years of service, and on recognizing National Historic Preservation Month.
I’ve had the privilege of working with the Alabama Historical Commission for over 45 years on a wide range of historic tax credit, National Register, and Section 106 projects and it has been one of the most meaningful professional relationships of my career. Throughout that time, I’ve seen firsthand the depth of their commitment to protecting Alabama’s historic resources while also helping make projects possible.
Their work strikes a careful balance—upholding preservation standards while supporting thoughtful development—and that balance is what allows so many successful rehabilitation projects to move forward.
It has truly been an honor to work alongside them over the years, and I look forward to continuing that partnership.

05/01/2026

Nearly one million square feet of historic industrial space in Birmingham has been rehabilitated.

We recently received Part 3 approval for the rehabilitation of the Birmingham Food Terminal in Birmingham. Originally constructed in 1956–1957 by Southern Railway, the Birmingham Food Terminal was developed as a bulk distribution and light manufacturing complex on the former Finley Yard. The site incorporates the 1924 Railroad Shops and has continued to evolve over time, resulting in approximately 965,000 square feet of industrial space across a 70-acre site. Projects of this scale and complexity require careful coordination to meet both operational needs and historic preservation requirements. This $14,000,000 rehabilitation project was completed by the team at Colliers | Alabama on behalf of Birmingham Industrial Group, LLC. Congratulations on a fine historic rehabilitation project.

04/19/2026

David B. Schneider is marking 45 years as a historic preservation professional. He has relaunched his website: shphistoric.com.

“I recently heard from a client who thought I had retired. That couldn’t be further from the truth—I’m still at it, and expect to be for the foreseeable future. I love what I do. Over the past four and a half decades, I’ve had the opportunity to work with developers, communities, and public agencies on a wide range of projects, each with its own challenges and rewards. Historic preservation is never just about buildings; it’s about finding practical ways to carry them forward. I’m grateful to the many clients and colleagues who have trusted me along the way. The work continues.”

We also recently received Part 3 approval for the rehabilitation of the Ben Jacobs Furniture Building in Birmingham. This $12,500,000 project was completed by David Carrigan through New William QOZB, LLC.

Congratulations Carrigan on another fine historic rehabilitation project.

04/15/2026

Please see our new website - same address: shphistoric.com

08/03/2023

AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ONE OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA’S MOST HISTORIC HOUSES

The Noble Cottage was built in 1887 as a guest cottage by Samuel Noble, one of the founders of Anniston. The house remains as one of the rare surviving grand residences from Anniston’s early period of development, a time where it earned a reputation as the “Model City of the New South.” Renowned Alabama architectural historian Robert Gamble cited The Noble Cottage as one of the state’s notable examples of the Queen Anne architectural style, typified by the use of sophisticated architectural details intended to evoke a handcrafted flavor, and by the use of contrasting materials and colors in walls and roofs – in this case sandstone with wood shingles above.

AN EXCEPTIONAL HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

• Eligible for 20% Federal plus 25% State historic rehabilitation tax credits (45% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures)
• Located in an Opportunity Zone
• Listed in the National Register of Historic Places (1976) and designated as a historic property by the City of Anniston (2022)

EXCELLENT LOCATION

• Across the street from Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (NEARMC) – Anniston’s primary hospital facility with more than 1,600 employees and 200 physicians
• Near additional medical facilities and offices
• ½ block from Quintard Avenue (AL21) – a major north-south route with >36,000 average daily trips, connecting to I-20 four miles to the south
• 1 block from The Western Bypass (AL202) – a major east-west route with 13,800
average daily trips, connecting to I-20 four miles to the southwest
• Located 2.8 miles from The Eastern Bypass (US431) – a north-south route, connecting to I-20 six miles to the southeast
• Located between metro Atlanta (1:15 hr. east) and Birmingham (1 hr. west) via I-20; 2 hr. south of Chattanooga via I-59

OPPORTUNITY FOR A BED & BREAKFAST, OFFICE, OR OTHER COMMERCIAL USE, OR PRIVATE RESIDENCE WITH A ZONING VARIANCE

• 2,500 square foot facility could house up to 4 B&B rooms

PRICE - $129,900

For additional information, please contact David B. Schneider at 265-310-6320 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Please note that is property is being sold “as is.”

06/04/2022

Another fine example of how a building in peril can be restored, and more importantly saved from demolition.

Another Detroit restoration, Before and After of the James Scott Mansion built in 1887 in Detroit, MI, photo by

02/10/2021

Contact your local legislators to support this Bill. SHP’s David Schneider was interviewed for the story.

Bill to extend tax credits By | February 9, 2021 at 9:51 PM CST - Updated February 9 at 9:56 PM Bill to extend tax credits

02/12/2020

What a difference, as the Howell School in Dothan is again visible after ongoing rehabilitation work removed the intrusive concrete block addition that obscured it for decades. The lower level brickwork has been repaired, paint removed, and the lower entry pavilion reconstructed. Originally a school, then converted into a factory before becoming vacant in recent years, the building suffered considerable water damage from its leaking roof. The Banyon Foundation, Inc. is converting the building for use as senior housing. Truly one of the more exciting projects I've been involved with over the years.

04/06/2019

Proof of my favorite old preservation saying that if something is still standing, there is hope. This house in Detroit was as close to being gone as they come.