historic preservation philosophy
As defined in the cultural landscape report for Virginius Island (1993), a treatment plan was agreed upon with a primary focus on preserving the island's resources for interpretation while upgrading the roads for pedestrian accessibility. The work neatly reflects on of the four approaches in the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - Rehabilitation.

		STANDARDS
		Rehabilitation Is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. Secretary of Interior's Standards

Because of the ruinous state of the remaining features, the emphasis would be on "reading" the signs of change that have occurred on the island, then implementing appropriate work, as needed - from stabilization and repair of structural features that provide the tangible historic fabric; to specialized vegetation management approaches to better define the residential yardscape; and finally to reestablishing the remnant road system that links the resources'.

To accomplish this philosophical approach the team proceeded to focus on issues related to the structural stabilization, flood protection, vegetation management, and the interpretation of the island's history.

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