What a fabulous thing to have been able to do, David!
I actually felt honoured to be in a position to do this, at that time. But I was more worried that so much information would be lost. It appeared at the time that the majority of the paperwork was of no importance to me, and I think I got all the useful records. As an example, there was a complete journal about consultations with the Russian government for building a new lighthouse, dated 1923 (from memory).
While we were walking around outside, I did dig up one chunk of glass, which was a complete (though damaged) glass battery box. But I suppose my reward will be finally publishing the third book (
Chance Reflections), although this is a few years on.
M; fortunately the 7-story building (c.1860) still remains, however, I think the developers' plans to convert it into offices and/or flats will be thwarted as the ceilings are only about 7½-foot (2.3m) tall and I would be banging my knuckles every time I raised my arms! So I really have no idea what will ultimately happen to this building, but a total reconstruction from the inside (to 6-stories?) is probably the only solution. But then the windows would all be askew.
BTW, Chance actually "drew" sheets (Fourcault method) of glass up to the full internal height of the 7-storey building... makes my mind boggle.