Converted Bank Insurance
Converted bank buildings combine historic architecture with modern residential, commercial or mixed-use occupation. Many former banks have been transformed into homes, apartments, offices, restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels and investment properties while retaining original features such as stone facades, banking halls, strong rooms and vaults.
These distinctive properties often require specialist insurance consideration because of their age, construction, listed status, heritage features, reinstatement costs and unusual layouts. Quote Monkey can help you understand the options available and, where appropriate, introduce suitable enquiries to a specialist broker.
Converted Bank Insurance
Converted Bank Insurance refers to insurance arranged for buildings that were originally constructed as banks or financial institutions but have since been converted for another purpose. This may include residential homes, apartments, offices, restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, retail premises, galleries or mixed-use investment properties.
Former bank buildings are often very different from standard homes or commercial premises. They may include reinforced construction, thick masonry walls, stone facades, ornate entrances, banking halls, strong rooms, basement vaults, decorative ceilings, original staircases and specialist heritage details.
The most suitable insurance will depend on the building's construction, listed status, current use, occupancy, rebuild cost, ownership structure and whether the property is used privately, commercially or as an investment.
Looking For Converted Bank Insurance?
Whether you own a converted bank as a home, commercial premises, investment property or mixed-use development, Quote Monkey can help you understand the insurance options available.
Where specialist advice is required, we can introduce suitable enquiries to a specialist broker experienced in arranging insurance for unusual, converted and heritage properties.
Who May Need Converted Bank Insurance?
This page may be relevant for owners, occupiers, landlords, developers and businesses responsible for a former bank building that has been converted, adapted or retained for a new use.
A private owner-occupier, a commercial landlord, a restaurant operator and a developer retaining a completed conversion may each require insurance arranged in a different way.
The current use of the building is just as important as its former use as a bank.
Why Converted Bank Buildings Need Specialist Insurance
Former banks were often designed to convey strength, permanence and prestige. Many were built using high-quality materials and specialist construction methods that can make repairs more complex and more expensive than with a standard property.
Important features may include stone or brick facades, decorative entrances, banking halls, marble floors, ornate ceilings, timber panelling, period staircases, decorative ironwork, reinforced walls, large feature windows, original safes, strong rooms and basement vaults.
These characteristics can affect rebuilding costs, repair timescales, listed building consent, contractor availability, replacement materials and the type of policy that may be suitable.
Converted Bank Property Types And Uses
Converted bank buildings can be adapted in many different ways. The insurance required should reflect both the historic construction of the building and its current use.
Residential Converted Banks
Many former banks have been converted into distinctive private homes, town houses, apartments, duplex properties and luxury residences. These properties may retain banking halls, vaults, period staircases, decorative plasterwork and original internal features.
Owners should consider whether rebuilding costs, household contents and any retained heritage features are properly reflected.
Commercial Converted Banks
Former banks often become offices, estate agencies, solicitors, accountants, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, boutique hotels, retail premises, galleries, museums, co-working spaces or medical practices.
The commercial activity, customer access, equipment, fixtures and business interruption exposure should all be considered.
Mixed-Use Bank Conversions
Some converted banks combine commercial and residential use, such as a retail unit with apartments above, an office with residential accommodation or a restaurant with owner accommodation.
Mixed-use properties can require specialist arrangements because each occupancy may create different property, liability and management risks.
Investment And Let Properties
Many converted banks are owned by landlords and let to residential tenants, commercial tenants or a combination of occupiers. The landlord's responsibilities may include the structure, communal areas, external features and property owners' liability.
Insurance should reflect the lease structure, tenancy type and who is responsible for different parts of the building.
Specialist Features Of Former Bank Buildings
Former bank buildings often include unusual features that are rarely found in modern homes or standard commercial premises. These details can affect maintenance, alteration work, reinstatement and insurance underwriting.
Vaults And Strong Rooms
Bank vaults and strong rooms may now be used as wine storage, archives, plant rooms, display areas, cellars or secure storage. Their reinforced construction can make alterations, repairs and water damage remediation more complex than in ordinary rooms.
Heritage Interiors
Original counters, timber panelling, decorative ceilings, marble floors, staircases, ornamental plasterwork and period ironmongery can be expensive to repair. If listed or historically important, specialist craftsmen and traditional materials may be required.
Prominent High Street Locations
Many converted banks occupy prominent town or city centre locations. This can increase exposure to pedestrian footfall, vehicle impact, vandalism, theft, neighbouring property damage and third-party liability claims.
Listed Building Status
Many former banks are listed because of their architectural or historic importance. Repairs may require listed building consent, conservation advice, traditional materials and contractors experienced in heritage reinstatement.
Listed Former Banks And Heritage Repairs
Many former bank buildings are listed because of their architectural detail, townscape importance or historic features. A listed former bank may need specialist insurance consideration because repair work can be slower, more expensive and more closely controlled than standard building repairs.
Damage to stone facades, historic windows, decorative entrances, original staircases, banking halls or interior finishes may require heritage contractors, traditional materials and permission before work can proceed.
Converted bank owners may wish to review Listed Buildings Insurance, Grade I Listed Buildings Insurance and Grade II Listed Buildings Insurance where the building has protected status.
Core Insurance Areas For Converted Bank Buildings
Depending on the property and its current use, converted bank insurance may need to consider buildings, contents, business assets, property owners' responsibilities, public access, business interruption and legal risks.
Buildings And Reinstatement
The structure of a converted bank may include specialist stonework, vaulted areas, reinforced construction and historic features. Accurate rebuilding sums are important because heritage reinstatement can cost more than modern repair methods.
Buildings Insurance may be relevant where the structure needs protection against insured damage.
Residential Contents
A converted bank used as a home may contain household furniture, personal belongings, bespoke fittings, artwork, technology and valuables. Large open interiors and specialist finishes can make it important to assess contents carefully.
Contents Insurance and Personal Possessions Insurance may be relevant depending on the items insured.
Commercial Use
Where the building is used by a business, cover may need to reflect office furniture, EPOS systems, display cabinets, specialist equipment, customer seating, fixtures, stock and trading interruption.
Commercial Property Insurance and Business Contents Insurance may be relevant.
Landlord And Investment Ownership
A converted bank let to tenants may require cover designed around landlord responsibilities rather than owner-occupied use. Communal areas, external features, lease obligations and property owners' liability may all need to be considered.
Property Owners Insurance may be relevant for residential landlords, while Commercial Property Owners Insurance may be relevant for commercial landlords.
Renovation, Alteration And Unoccupied Periods
Some former banks continue to undergo renovation long after conversion. Works may include structural alterations, roof repairs, window restoration, stone cleaning, interior refurbishment, accessibility improvements, electrical upgrades, plumbing replacement or energy efficiency improvements.
Insurance requirements can change while major works are taking place. Contractors on site, temporary roofs, exposed materials, theft risks, hot works, water ingress and unoccupied periods can all affect the cover required.
A former bank awaiting planning permission or refurbishment may need different arrangements from a fully occupied completed conversion.
Common Uses For Converted Bank Buildings
Former banks are often situated in prominent high-street, market-town and city-centre locations. Their substantial construction, generous banking halls, large windows, high ceilings, vaults, strong rooms and architectural character make them suitable for many residential, commercial, hospitality, professional and community uses.
Private Homes And Residential Conversions
Smaller former bank branches can become distinctive private homes, while larger banking halls may create generous open-plan living spaces. Owners often retain vaults, stonework, timber panelling, decorative ceilings, substantial doors and unusual room layouts as part of the property's character.
Residential owners may need to consider the structure, household contents, items taken away from the home and any listed features. Relevant pages may include Buildings Insurance, Contents Insurance, Personal Possessions Insurance and Listed Buildings Insurance.
Apartments And Blocks Of Flats
Larger former banks may be divided into apartments, duplexes or several self-contained flats. Communal entrances, corridors, staircases, roofs, external walls, shared services and freeholder responsibilities can create a very different risk profile from a single private dwelling.
Depending on the ownership structure, relevant pages may include Blocks Of Flats Insurance, Block Of Converted Flats Insurance, Listed Block Of Flats Buildings Insurance, Mixed Use Block Of Flats Insurance, Freeholder Block Of Flats Insurance, Management Company Flats Insurance, Residents Management Company Flats Insurance and Right To Manage Flats Insurance.
Cafes And Coffee Shops
Open banking halls can create characterful customer seating areas, while vaults or strong rooms may be adapted as storage, preparation areas or private rooms. Original stone steps, large windows, counters and period interiors may form part of the customer experience.
Insurance may need to reflect hospitality activity, commercial kitchens, furniture, coffee equipment, stock, customer footfall and business interruption. Relevant pages may include Cafe Insurance, Hospitality Insurance, Commercial Combined Insurance, Business Contents Insurance, Business Interruption Insurance, Public Liability Insurance and Employers' Liability Insurance.
Restaurants
Historic banks can become destination restaurants, with former banking halls used as dining rooms and vaults adapted as wine stores, cellars or private dining spaces. Their prominent locations and architectural character can make them attractive hospitality venues.
Restaurants may need to consider commercial kitchens, diners, employees, stock, fire risks, contents and interruption to trading. Relevant pages may include Restaurant Insurance, Hospitality Insurance, Commercial Combined Insurance, Business Contents Insurance, Business Stock Insurance, Business Interruption Insurance, Public Liability Insurance and Employers' Liability Insurance.
Bars Wine Bars And Licensed Premises
Architectural features, prominent locations and strong-room spaces can make former banks attractive bars, cocktail venues and wine bars. Vaults may be used for wine storage, private rooms or atmospheric customer areas.
Licensed premises may need insurance reflecting customer capacity, late opening, security, stock, fixtures, employees, public liability and interruption to trading. Relevant pages may include Bar Insurance, Hospitality Insurance, Commercial Combined Insurance, Business Stock Insurance, Business Interruption Insurance, Public Liability Insurance and Employers' Liability Insurance.
Boutique Hotels And Guest Accommodation
Substantial former banks may become boutique hotels, small hotels or historic accommodation. Banking halls can become reception rooms, restaurants or lounges, while upper floors may be adapted into guest bedrooms and retained heritage features may shape the guest experience.
Insurance may need to reflect guests, staff, restaurants, bars, lifts, guest property and historic features. Relevant pages may include Hotel Insurance, Boutique Hotel Insurance, Historic Hotel Insurance, Listed Hotel Insurance, Independent Hotel Insurance, Small Hotel Insurance, Hotel And Restaurant Insurance, Hotel With Conference Facilities Insurance, Hotel With Wedding Venue Insurance and Engineering Inspection Insurance.
Offices And Professional Practices
Former banks are often suitable for offices because they may already include secure rooms, meeting spaces, staff areas and prominent entrances. They may be used by solicitors, accountants, estate agents, architects, consultants, surveyors, insurance brokers and financial advisers.
Office occupiers may need to consider premises, business contents, client meetings, professional advice and liability exposures. Relevant pages may include Office Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, Business Contents Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Accountants Professional Indemnity Insurance, Solicitor Professional Indemnity Insurance, Estate Agents Professional Indemnity Insurance, Architect Professional Indemnity Insurance, Surveyor Public Liability Insurance, Insurance Broker Professional Indemnity Insurance, Financial Advisor Professional Indemnity Insurance and Consultant Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Medical Dental And Therapy Premises
Former banks may be adapted into consulting rooms, surgeries, clinics or therapy practices. Strong rooms may become secure records areas, while banking halls may be divided into reception areas, treatment rooms and staff facilities.
Insurance may need to reflect specialist equipment, patient areas, confidential information, professional liability and business contents. Relevant pages may include Medical Surgery Insurance, Doctor Professional Indemnity Insurance, Dentist Professional Indemnity Insurance, Physiotherapist Professional Indemnity Insurance, Occupational Therapist Professional Indemnity Insurance, Psychotherapist Professional Indemnity Insurance, Psychologist Professional Indemnity Insurance, Dietician Professional Indemnity Insurance, Cyber Insurance and Business Contents Insurance.
Museums Galleries And Heritage Attractions
Historic banking halls, safes and vaults may be preserved as part of a museum, local-history attraction, gallery or visitor experience. The building itself may become part of the attraction, especially where original banking features remain visible.
Insurance may need to reflect collections, displays, visitors, guided tours, artefacts, public liability and historic property. Relevant pages may include Museum Insurance, Guided Tours In Art Galleries Public Liability Insurance, Museum Tour Guide Public Liability Insurance, Exhibition Insurance, Listed Buildings Insurance, Public Liability Insurance and Business Contents Insurance.
Retail Premises And Specialist Shops
Former banks may become substantial retail premises, galleries, boutiques, showrooms or specialist shops. Large windows, secure rooms and prominent entrances can be useful for display areas, stock rooms and customer-facing retail space.
Retail use may involve shopfronts, customer areas, stock, contents, display equipment, deliveries and online trading. Relevant pages may include Shop Insurance, Garden Shop Insurance, Camera Shop Insurance, Record Shop Insurance, Optician Insurance, Farm Shop Insurance, Wedding Shop Insurance, Organic Food Shop Insurance, Toy And Game Shop Insurance, Pottery Shop Insurance, Business Stock Insurance, Business Contents Insurance and Product Liability Insurance.
Gyms Fitness Studios And Wellbeing Venues
Open banking halls may be adapted into gyms, fitness studios, yoga spaces or personal-training venues. High ceilings, large rooms and strong floor areas may suit exercise spaces, although the building may need alterations for changing areas and member facilities.
Insurance may need to reflect exercise equipment, instructors, members, employees, public access, lifting equipment and personal accident considerations. Relevant pages may include Gym Instructor Insurance, Personal Trainer Professional Indemnity Insurance, Fitness Instructor Professional Indemnity Insurance, Group Personal Accident Insurance, Public Liability Insurance, Employers' Liability Insurance and Engineering Inspection Insurance.
Community Cultural And Event Spaces
Former banks may be repurposed as community hubs, meeting spaces, cultural centres, exhibition venues, workshop spaces or small event venues. Banking halls can provide flexible rooms for classes, displays, seminars and local events.
Insurance may need to reflect visitor numbers, room hire, exhibitions, workshops, occasional events, volunteers and public liability. Relevant pages may include Meeting Seminar Public Liability Insurance, Exhibition Insurance, Educational Workshop Insurance, Art Workshops Public Liability Insurance, Craft Workshops Public Liability Insurance, Community Artists Workshop Public Liability Insurance, Events Public Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.
Mixed Use Developments
A former bank may contain several different occupancies, such as a cafe with flats above, a restaurant with guest accommodation, offices with apartments or retail premises with residential units. Shared entrances, plant rooms, roofs and service areas can make responsibility more complex.
Insurers may need full details of every occupancy and shared area. Relevant pages may include Mixed Use Block Of Flats Insurance, Commercial Property Owners Insurance, Property Owners Insurance, Buildings Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance and Commercial Combined Insurance.
Unoccupied Former Banks Awaiting Conversion
Some former bank branches remain empty while planning permission, sale, renovation or a change of use is arranged. Unoccupied buildings can face increased exposure to escape of water, theft, malicious damage, arson, deterioration and unauthorised access.
Insurance may need to reflect inspections, utilities, security, building works and listed status. Relevant pages may include Unoccupied Shop Insurance, Unoccupied Office Insurance, Buildings Insurance, Listed Buildings Insurance and Commercial Property Insurance.
Converted Banks Undergoing Building Work
Conversion and restoration work can create risks from structural alterations, temporary openings, hot works, contractors, scaffolding, rewiring, plumbing alterations, roof work and specialist heritage repairs. The building may also be partially unoccupied during works.
Depending on the project, relevant contractor pages may include Contractor Insurance, Builder Public Liability Insurance, Historic And Heritage Building Restoration Contractor Insurance, Commercial Plumbing Contractor Insurance, Electrician Public Liability Insurance, Roofer Public Liability Insurance, Stonemason Public Liability Insurance, Glazer Public Liability Insurance and Property Maintenance Public Liability Insurance.
Typical Converted Bank Insurance Claims
Claims involving converted banks can be complex because they may involve historic materials, unusual layouts, commercial occupiers, residential tenants, public access or specialist reinstatement.
Storm Damage To Historic Stonework
Severe weather damages the roof, stone facade and decorative masonry of a converted Victorian bank building. Buildings Insurance may help with insured damage and specialist repair costs, subject to policy terms.
Escape Of Water
A burst pipe causes extensive damage to timber panelling, decorative ceilings and bespoke interior finishes. Buildings Insurance and, where appropriate, Contents Insurance may help with insured repair and replacement costs.
Fire Damage
A fire damages a former bank operating as a restaurant, affecting the building, fixtures, fittings, kitchen equipment and trading income. Commercial Combined Insurance may be relevant depending on the cover selected.
Theft From Commercial Premises
Thieves force entry into a converted office within a former bank, stealing computers, specialist equipment and office furniture. Business Contents Insurance may help protect insured business assets.
Listed Building Repairs
A vehicle collides with the front of a Grade II listed former bank, damaging historic stonework and decorative features. Listed Buildings Insurance may help with insured reinstatement, subject to policy terms.
Business Interruption
A converted boutique hotel operating from a former bank closes for several months after a fire. Business Interruption Insurance may help with certain ongoing financial commitments following an insured event.
Visitor Injury
A visitor trips on original stone steps leading into a converted commercial property and makes a claim. Public Liability Insurance or Property Owners Insurance may be relevant depending on responsibility.
Falling Masonry
A landlord is held responsible after decorative masonry becomes loose and falls near a public footpath. Property Owners Insurance may help with certain third-party injury or property damage claims.
What Affects The Cost Of Converted Bank Insurance?
The cost of insurance for a converted bank may depend on the building's age, construction, listed status, rebuild value, location, claims history, occupancy, security, current use and whether the property is owner-occupied, let to tenants or used commercially.
A listed bank converted into a boutique hotel may be assessed very differently from a former bank used as a private home. Commercial activities, customer access, cooking facilities, overnight accommodation, mixed residential use and unoccupied periods can all influence underwriting.
Accurate rebuilding valuations are particularly important where stonework, vaulted construction, heritage interiors or listed building obligations could make reinstatement more expensive.
Information Needed For A Converted Bank Insurance Referral
To help a specialist broker review your enquiry, you may need to provide details of the building's address, age, construction, listed status, current use, occupancy, rebuild value, contents value, security, claims history and any commercial activities.
Where the property is let, insurers may need to understand the tenant type, lease structure, number of units, communal areas and landlord responsibilities. Where the property is used by a business, the trade, turnover, equipment, stock and public access may also matter.
If renovation work is underway or planned, details of the works, contractors, contract value, occupancy and site security should be disclosed.
Need Insurance For A Converted Bank?
Whether your former bank is used as a private residence, apartment conversion, commercial premises, hospitality venue or investment property, Quote Monkey can help you take the next step.
Where specialist advice is required, we can introduce suitable enquiries to a broker experienced in arranging insurance for heritage, converted and unusual buildings.
Converted Bank Insurance FAQs
Converted Bank Insurance is insurance arranged for buildings originally constructed as banks or financial institutions that have since been converted for residential, commercial or mixed-use purposes.
Yes. Many converted banks can be insured, although the building's age, construction, listed status, current use, occupancy and rebuilding costs may influence the insurance required.
Listed former banks may require specialist repair techniques, traditional materials and listed building consent before certain works can be carried out. These factors can affect rebuilding costs and insurance arrangements.
Yes. Many former banks have been converted into private houses, apartments, duplex homes and luxury residential properties while retaining their original architectural character.
Yes. Former banks are frequently converted into offices, restaurants, cafes, bars, boutique hotels, retail premises, medical practices and professional offices. The insurance required will depend on the business activities undertaken.
Buildings Insurance is designed to help protect the permanent structure of the property, including walls, roofs, floors and other insured structural elements, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
If the converted bank is owned as an investment property and let to tenants, Property Owners Insurance or Commercial Property Owners Insurance may be more appropriate than a standard owner-occupier policy.
Yes. Residential owners may require Contents Insurance, while commercial occupiers may require Business Contents Insurance to protect office equipment, furniture, fixtures, fittings and other business assets.
Major renovation or structural alterations can affect the insurance required. Insurers should be made aware of ongoing building works, contractors on site, unoccupied periods and any changes to the building's structure or use.
Many converted banks retain vaults or strong rooms. These features should be disclosed because they may affect renovation work, reinstatement, maintenance and the overall description of the building.
Yes. Mixed-use converted banks may be insurable, but residential and commercial occupancies should be disclosed clearly because they can create different property, liability and management risks.
Yes. Quote Monkey can introduce suitable enquiries to a specialist broker experienced in arranging insurance for converted banks, heritage buildings and unusual properties, subject to insurer acceptance and underwriting criteria.
Additional Insurance Considerations
Converted bank buildings may require several different insurance products depending on whether the property is used as a home, commercial premises, hospitality venue, investment property or mixed-use building. The following covers may be relevant depending on the property, occupancy and activities disclosed.
Property And Assets
Buildings Insurance
Buildings Insurance helps protect the permanent structure of the converted bank, including walls, roofs, floors, fixed installations and other insured structural elements. It can be especially important where specialist rebuilding methods, stonework, vaults or heritage materials may increase reinstatement costs. Learn more about Buildings Insurance.
Contents Insurance
Contents Insurance may be relevant where a converted bank is used as a home and contains furniture, household belongings, technology, artwork or valuable personal items. Large open banking halls and bespoke interiors can make it important to review contents values carefully. Read about Contents Insurance.
Personal Possessions Insurance
Personal Possessions Insurance may complement household contents cover where valuable items are taken away from the converted bank home. Jewellery, watches, cameras, mobile devices, laptops, musical instruments and sports equipment may need separate consideration depending on the policy. See Personal Possessions Insurance.
Listed Buildings Insurance
Listed Buildings Insurance may be relevant where the former bank is protected because of its architectural or historic importance. Stone facades, banking halls, historic windows, staircases and decorative interiors may need specialist repair, conservation input and traditional materials. Learn about Listed Buildings Insurance.
Ownership And Commercial Use
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial Property Insurance may be relevant where the converted bank is occupied by a business such as an office, cafe, restaurant, gallery, shop or professional practice. The policy should reflect the building, trade, customer access and commercial use. Read more about Commercial Property Insurance.
Commercial Property Owners Insurance
Commercial Property Owners Insurance may suit landlords who own a converted bank let to commercial tenants. It can help reflect the responsibilities of owning a building used by businesses, including structural risks, tenant occupation and property owners' liability. View Commercial Property Owners Insurance.
Property Owners Insurance
Property Owners Insurance may be appropriate where a converted bank is owned as an investment property and let to residential tenants. It can help reflect landlord responsibilities for the building, communal areas, external features and certain third-party risks. Find out about Property Owners Insurance.
Business Contents Insurance
Business Contents Insurance may protect furniture, computers, EPOS systems, display cabinets, customer seating, fixtures, fittings and specialist equipment used by a business operating from a former bank. This can be important where the conversion is used commercially. See Business Contents Insurance.
Income Liability And Legal Protection
Commercial Combined Insurance
Commercial Combined Insurance may suit a business operating from a converted bank where several covers are needed together. Buildings, business contents, liabilities, business interruption and other commercial risks may be considered within one wider package. Learn more about Commercial Combined Insurance.
Business Interruption Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance may help where a converted bank used commercially cannot trade following an insured event. A restaurant, office, boutique hotel or retail premises could face lost income while heritage repairs are completed. Explore Business Interruption Insurance.
Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance may be relevant where customers, visitors, contractors or members of the public access the converted bank. Original stone steps, prominent entrances, hospitality areas and public-facing commercial use can all create third-party injury or damage risks. Read about Public Liability Insurance.
Business Legal Expenses Insurance
Business Legal Expenses Insurance may help with certain legal costs connected with commercial occupation, employment disputes, contract issues or property-related legal matters, depending on the policy. This may be useful for businesses or landlords using a converted bank commercially. See Business Legal Expenses Insurance.
Why Converted Bank Insurance Matters
Former bank buildings are among the most distinctive converted properties in the UK. Their combination of historic architecture, specialist construction, heritage features, prominent locations and modern uses means they often need more careful consideration than standard homes or commercial buildings.
Whether the property has become a family home, office, restaurant, boutique hotel or investment property, understanding its construction, occupancy, ownership and reinstatement requirements can help ensure the insurance enquiry is presented accurately.
Looking For Converted Bank Insurance?
Whether you own a former bank as a private residence, commercial premises, mixed-use investment or heritage property, Quote Monkey can help you take the next step.
Where specialist support is required, suitable enquiries may be introduced to a broker experienced in arranging insurance for converted, unusual and historic buildings.