I saw new businesses a coffee & pastry cafe, a bridal bar, and a Environmental Learning Center.

Spotted owl and other environmental issue closed up vast amounts of timber land to the markets. 

Some food operators are looking to expand, often with a model that’s heavy on carryout and requires smaller footprints.

At the rate it was crumbling, it seemed that I may well be able to dig through all 10 inches the concrete with my hand, all the way into the basement in about 10 minutes with only my bare hand.Is the cause of this deterioration something due to the original concrete mix 100 years ago or is it some sort of environmental issue, like water.  

What I did not realize is that in Connecticut (and again, check with your local municipality and state) is the following Zoning rule: Although your property lies, in part, within a known flood hazard area, your submittals indicate that the improvements, shall be generally confined to the building footprint, and are not “substantial” per the “Flood Regulations” – meaning that the cumulative cost of the work will remain less than 50% of the fair market value of the structure.In view of the above, no special flood hazard, coastal, or inland wetland permits are required at this time.

First stop, call your local health department or whomever oversees environmental permitting.

There are complex reasons but just understand that I am limited in footprint and cannot add more total square footage to the build.My opinion is that the Master bedroom sells the place to tenents, after all those in the master are paying the bill, and that a trade off to have an excellent master but a smaller size for the secondary bedrooms is acceptable.

Vented fireplaces have a smaller footprint than a wood fireplace and I believe are definitely the way to go with tenets (outside of a rustic STR or cabin).

Concrete has a pretty big environmental footprint so reducing it to uses that only it can accomplish is something to keep in mind.Do you need to hit net zero for the project to be successful?

If the gutters don't divert water at least a few feet away from the foundation, with a house this old you could be looking at bulging dirt pockets, which can put inward pressure on the foundation and lead to cracks over time.Are there any trees particularly close to the property's footprint?