Despite an official "embargo" of the practice, there are reports of people removing "truckloads of architectural elements" from New Orleans every day. Preservationists fear that what isn't stolen will end up in landfills.
"Historic preservationists and salvage workers are now fighting to keep thousands of tons of building materials from being heaped onto landfills, stolen, or otherwise lost. At stake are period doors and trim, floor-to-ceiling shutters that covered countless shotgun-house windows, wood trim, hardware, plumbing, light fixtures, and other materials."
"Since it is unclear whether forthcoming legislation will address architectural salvage, it appears most residents are taking the issue into their own hands. Rather than wait for guidelines to protect structures and their elements, some residents are actively pursuing preservation before their homes are gutted, demolished or picked apart by thieves."
While a New Orleans police spokesman said no arrests have been made for theft of architectural materials, others note that catching such criminals is a low priority for a department with more pressing concerns.
FULL STORY: With Demolitions, Architectural Remnants at Risk in New Orleans
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A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland