A creative, adaptive, and strategic approach to sustainably protecting historic properties.

Landmark designation protects a building on paper, but not in practice. True preservation requires viewing landmarking as a starting point—a foundation for long-term stewardship that balances legacy with viability. This broader approach unlocks resources, strategies, and partnerships that keep historic properties alive and relevant for generations.

Sheila’s creative, adaptive, and strategic approach demystifies the process of sustainably protecting historic properties. Working with cohorts to identify how a property may be used and for what purpose, she determines the types of protections (federal, state, and local) that may be utilized for the property’s ongoing prosperity. Additionally, she advises on design solutions and interpretive materials that help support and promote the property’s legacy.

About Sheila McElroy

Sheila is uniquely capable of unraveling the complexities of property stewardship, building, infrastructure, and land reuse, and creatively formulating the authentic interpretation of historic properties and cultural sites. With a proficiency in historic preservation practices and a solid background in nonprofit management, she brings over 30 years of experience working on properties of various scales and typologies with aplomb. Sheila is dedicated to protecting and sustaining the vibrant heritage of our built and natural environment.

Consulting Services

I transform heritage property challenges into opportunities—helping you protect what matters while building toward what's next. I guide property owners, organizations, and communities through the complex process of preserving historic and cultural assets while making them relevant and viable for the future. Through facilitation, research, and hands-on guidance, I help you navigate regulations, build consensus, and make informed decisions that honor the past while serving present and future needs.

Visioning

A clear, shared direction for your property's future

Stewardship

Protection and guidance for your property's irreplaceable legacy

Design Solutions

Historic restoration that works for today without sacrificing authenticity

Design approaches that honor historical integrity while meeting modern needs
Solutions that ensure compliance with Secretary of the Interior Standards and local regulations
Sourcing of period-appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings
Installation oversight to protect sensitive historic elements

Storyline

Compelling narratives that connect people to place

Historical content for signage, marketing, grants, social media, and educational materials
Wayfaring that guides visitors while deepening their connection to your site's story
Landmark listings and fundraising collateral that communicate cultural value
Narratives that preserve heritage for future generations

PORTFOLIO

Past Projects

Wayfaring and Interpretive: Hunter’s Point Shipyard Signage

Hilltop Park (Hunters Point Shipyard Phase I) is a San Francisco masterplan community that blends historic preservation with new housing, parks, playgrounds, and art walks. Sheila developed content and approved graphics for 11 historic and cultural interpretive signs. She also negotiated a partnership between San Francisco Heritage and Lennar Corporation to create an educational gateway that promotes ongoing discussion of the site's heritage.

Stewardship: Camp Santanoni

Camp Santanoni is one of the earliest examples of an Adirondack Great Camp in New York State. As part of the planning process, stewards needed to understand the existing conditions of the Main House interior. Sheila recorded, researched, prioritized character defining features, and developed base-line recommendations for the development of a property-wide maintenance plan.

Wayfaring and Interpretive: Glass House Museum Interpretive Guidelines

The David and Eliza Glass House Museum, a 1877 Italianate home, was restored and opened in 2010 as a historic house museum depicting life in California's San Ramon Valley during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sheila developed guidelines for accurate interpretation and ongoing maintenance of the interior spaces, including recommendations for acquiring period-appropriate furnishings and finishes.

Design Solutions: Paint Colors

A rustic, yet elegant home needed a touch of color to reflect the playful personalities of the owners, while respecting its rural setting. Painting the window sashes and shutters in variant shades of green and adding a field of barn red highlights and honors the assemblage of forms and materials for this young family’s home.

Visioning: Strategic Planning High Line Network (HLN)

Sheila spearheaded the visioning and strategic planning process for the High Line Network's 46 historic infrastructure reuse sites across North America. By establishing a framework anchored in three unique core principles, she created a cohesive organizational strategy that enabled both expansion and enriched educational content development across the Network.

Design Solutions: Entry Way Paint Colors

Owners of a San Francisco multi-unit residential property desired a fresh color scheme that harmonized with the urban color palettes of neighboring homes and highlighted the beautiful entry porch.

Reuse: Ukiah Train Station

1929 depot Union Pacific Railroad/North Coast Railroad reuse plan for a cultural center/gallery, commercial space, and or event venue

Shape The Future

Collaborate with Lena

Lena is looking for mind-a-like partners to fund, support, and elevate breakthrough ideas like that bring change.

Why Partner with Lena?

Proven Track Record: She has backed and scaled multiple multi-million-dollar startups.
Game-Changing Perspective: She invests in merit, not privilege.
Global Influence: Her network spans Silicon Valley, London, and beyond.
Passion for Innovation: She’s not just funding startups, she’s shaping the future.

Is This for You?

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or corporate partner looking to collaborate, Lena is ready to connect with you.

Testimonials

We had the best experience with Sheila helping us select exterior paint colors for our home. She was knowledgeable, personable, and very professional. She took what would have been an overwhelming process and made it fun. We could not be happier with the outcome. Her depth of knowledge and ability to convey it to us was priceless!

Sheila brings a wealth of knowledge to any project. Her ability to connect with folks from across groups and organizations is crucial to successfully executing on projects, and her strategic planning has moved our community engagement to a higher level. In addition, Sheila is an expert at navigating and managing partnerships, with an eye for detail and crisp professionalism!

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