At the core of KM Cornerstone is the belief that full community engagement is essential to ensuring the legacy of historic preservation and renovations efforts. To that end, the company brings together all stakeholders for vision, input and consensus building to arrive at solutions before any construction on a project begins. Proven proactive community engagement is one of the reasons that organizations turn to KM Cornerstone to serve as their General Contractor, and one of the things that sets the company apart from other restoration construction firms.
From lawmakers and politicians to non-profit organizations, local businesses, community activists and residents, KM Cornerstone ensures that all voices and perspectives are heard and that solutions are arrived at by consensus – not coercion.
KM Cornerstone’s approach to community engagement ensures that historic building renovations are more than just structural projects; that they become meaningful and beneficial for the people who value and use these spaces for years to come.
Company founder Keith Masserant also values the practical role that community engagement plays in the long-term success of a project, especially from a historical perspective. According to Mr. Masserant, there are several reasons that full community engagement is beneficial, including:
Historical Accuracy and Context
Community input, especially by long-timer residents and local historians, can often provide insight, photos, documents and other information about the building’s past and original features that might otherwise not be documented in archives. Such input helps ensure that the renovation accurately reflects the building’s historical character and significance.
Enhanced Support
An engaged community is more likely to support fundraising efforts, supply materials, donate their time and help bring awareness and help advocate for the project publicly. Proactively seeking community engagement and offering residents and businesses opportunities to get involved in the renovation process, often fosters a sense of ownership and pride that would otherwise be missing from such an effort.
Alignment With Community Needs
One of the key goals for renovating a historic building is the ability to serve as many people in the community as possible. Input from community members helps KM Cornerstone better align with community needs and therefore guarantees its legacy in the community as a valuable and beloved asset.