The great era of the American mansion and country house, lasting barely 70 years between the close of the Civil War and the beginning of World War II, produced a remarkable inventory of properties unlikely to be seen again. The thousands of palatial mansions and gardens that dotted both city and countryside not only altered the regional landscape but made a significant contribution to the architecture of this country. Today, being the victims of mismanagement and neglect, rising tax assessments, code regulations, and changing demographic patterns, these dwindling great estates are becoming "white elephants" that drain community resources. Although recently passed landmark preservation ordinances may prevent their destruction, the question of how to manage and use them remains a troubling one for towns and municipalities. Now, employing dozens of case studies of successful estate conversions, models, and innovative design concepts, noted preservationist William Shopsin lays out the alternatives for reviving these landmark structures. His book is packed with proven adaptive reuse ideas - from resorts and conference centers to bed-and-breakfasts, cultural centers, schools, and public museums - that not only protect these great properties but transform them into economically viable assets to their communities. You will find instantly usable tips, techniques, and advice on how to weigh development options - public versus private ownership, land trusts, or commercialization; handle zoning and environmental concerns - including energy conservation and asbestos removal; comply with fire and safety codes; simplify the maintenance of historic garden landscapes; resolve historic preservation and adaptive reuse conflicts; deal with management and stewardship problems; and much more!. Americans have come to realize that their great mansions and estates are national treasures, as irreplaceable as the natural environment, and requiring similar care and management. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of architectural drawings, striking archival photographs, and remarkable "before-and-after" shots, Preserving American Mansions and Estates demonstrates how these magnificent properties can be saved and recycled for future generations - while painting a fascinating picture of their "Golden Age" for today's architects, community planners, landscape architects, and preservationists.