Redevelopment and Reuse – Preserving Cape Cod’s Character 

Cape Cod’s architecture helps define its sense of place. The thousands of historic structures in the region do more than recall the past, they define how the Cape looks and feels today. Historic buildings are more than just the backbone of Cape Cod’s distinct character; they are the foundation for our community’s identity. Future development and redevelopment efforts are rooted in preserving the character and identity that make Cape Cod unique. 

True preservation extends beyond maintaining architecture; it means sustaining the communities those buildings were designed to serve. Providing housing within historic structures helps ensure that Cape Cod’s legacy remains lived in, not just observed. The people who contribute daily to the region’s vitality—teachers, healthcare workers, fishermen, municipal employees—are as integral to its character as the architecture itself. 

During a presentation made at OneCape 2025, Commission historic preservation specialist Sarah Korjeff outlined Cape Cod’s historic architecture. “Historic buildings embody our history,” Korjeff said. “They are physical records of our region's unique architectural styles and construction techniques.” 

Today, these buildings remain the most tangible link between the Cape’s past and present. Their preservation is not merely about saving old structures; it’s about maintaining the shared character that makes Cape Cod feel like home. Many have found new life through creative reuse, a way to honor the past while meeting today’s needs. 

In West Harwich, a former 1871 schoolhouse has been transformed into housing, offering seven apartments within the original historic structure and three additional units in a new companion building. The project maintains the school’s familiar façade and proportions, blending historic craftsmanship with contemporary livability. As Korjeff notes, projects like this “preserve not only buildings, but the stories, artifacts, and character that make Cape Cod unique.” 

Further along the southern coast, in Dennis, a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion known as The Columns has also found new purpose. Once the stately home of a sea captain, the building now anchors a residential community that integrates new housing alongside the restored landmark. The project demonstrates how preservation and progress can share the same foundation while reinforcing the distinct sense of place that defines the village. 

Watch a OneCape 2025 session highlighting redevelopment and reuse.