Local researchers unlock the power in our past
Cultural Resource Consultants celebrate 25th year in H.P.
Melissa Fleming
H.P. Mirror staff

Cleveland Avenue on the northside of Highland Park hosts a chocolate factory, several doctors, a baseball training facility, and the well-hidden Cultural Resource Consultants Group (CRCG). The firm has been on this lot for more than twenty years and continues to make a mark in the history of the tri-state area.

Peter Primavera originally founded CRCG in 1984 after he recognized a need for cultural resource management. He wanted to offer his expertise and assistance in the historical preservation movement sweeping across the United States. Primavera chose Highland Park because of its central location in New Jersey, and also to be close to his alma mater, Rutgers. As business grew he began hiring archaeologists, archaeology field crew and historic preservation staff to accommodate the business growth booming throughout the state.

After 15 years of ever increasing staff, CRCG expanded their offices to the greater Philadelphia area. Soon they were commissioned to do work throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. It was not long before they were opening up shop in New York.

Their current dossier includes work on Wall Street for the Commerce Bank, an exterior conditions & materials analysis for the College of Charleston, and even a bit of work very locally with the restoration of four buildings on Church Street in New Brunswick.

Among archaeological services the firm provides site testing, excavation, research, and analysis of artifacts. On the administrative side they assist with writing grants and fund-raising, and coordinate applications for investment tax credits.

In one particular case, Kings Park Psychiatric Center on Long Island sought out the assistance of CRCG. Originally established in 1887, and cited in the '60s as the largest mental health care facility in the US, Kings Park requested assistance in developing "an updated inventory of its cultural resources." Through CRCG's efforts, they obtained a detailed understanding of what redevelopment would be permitted or prohibited, wise and unwise, and how a rehabilitation of certain buildings could provide tax benefits going forward.

Just a couple of case studies illustrate CRCGís impact on the tri-state area. The work done is not exclusive to building analysis. Their work with the National Park Services was implemental in creating the National Historic Landmark Steward Association. CRCG also has a strong connection with Rutgers University, where they have partnered to develop and implement a field school program for students in the archaeology and anthropology departments.

Primavera describes the CRCG mission as helping to preserve and restore what our nation was built on, and maintaining the character instilled in each development. They are in the business of helping people to realize their dreams, and to resurrect forgotten ones.