Richard Moe of the National Trust for Historic Preservation makes a case for why one particular building should not only be saved for its historical significance, but also for its potential to foster economic development.
Richard Moe makes his case by citing the historical, social and architectural significance of the Cook County Hospital, as well as pointing out the little effort the County has made to consider alternative options to demolition. He also points to the possibilities for adaptive reuse and using the hospital as a catalyst for neighborhood redevelopment. He writes: "Chicago itself has an impressive record of using landmark buildings to bring new vitality to commercial and residential areas alike without sacrificing their unique character. The preservation and reuse of the Cook County Hospital offers this city a unique opportunity to save an irreplaceable piece of its rich history--and, in the process, to serve as a preservation model for other cities. It's the only option that makes sense."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Hospital need not be demolished

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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