FAQs
How does Cornerstones work with communities?
Our role is that of consultant and advisor. We provide the assistance the community needs – technical support, materials, tools and equipment, fundraising assistance and organizational help such as for workdays. Cornerstones expects the community to take the leadership role on their project and believes that an involved community leads to a successful project, one that the community will support long-term.
Is Cornerstones a contractor?
No, we are not a contractor. However, we can usually recommend a licensed professional for historic preservation projects when there is a special need.
How are projects chosen?
Only after contact from a community does Cornerstones take on a project and then on a first-come first-served basis. Cornerstones makes every effort to respond to each request for help.
How does Cornerstones work with federal agencies?
We are a member of the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit out of the University of Arizona. Through this group, the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service, and Department of Defense can seek our assistance to research preservation issues and conduct workshops for the purpose of training federal personnel, students, volunteers, and other interested parties in preservation work associated with traditional building practices.
Are Cornerstones projects only in northern New Mexico?
While our primary focus is the northern part of New Mexico which contains numerous historic structures, Cornerstones also works throughout the entire state. On occasion, when a request meets our mission, we will go outside the state but we rarely do work beyond the Southwest.