Historic Preservation

Balancing Aesthetics and Affordability
Policies too narrowly focused on design can drive up the cost of construction and prevent the development of affordable housing.

Transformers Vs. Historical Preservation
A row over two Transformers statues in a D.C. neighborhood lays bare the "absurdities" inherent in historical preservation, one writer argues.

L.A.'s Historic CBS Campus Will Undergo Billion-Dollar Expansion
The Television City revamp will more than double the currently available space and include a multi-modal mobility hub, pedestrian improvements, and a "robust" transportation demand management program.

Historic Preservation as a Tool of Exclusion
The push for historic preservation districts often amounts to exclusionary zoning that exacerbates the housing affordability crisis.

It's Time to Diversify the National Historic Register
The network of historic sites honors important events in the nation's history but overlooks places related to women and minorities.

The Race to Preserve America's Black Cemeteries
America's historic Black cemeteries, which have long fallen victim to displacement, relocation, and outright destruction, could have a new ally in the fight for preservation and recognition.

Opinion: Historic Preservation's Climate Problem Reveals its Class Problem
A strongly worded opinion piece calls out historic preservation as a tool of the affluent urban elite.

What Is Adaptive Reuse?
Key to urban revitalization or harbinger of gentrification—whichever way you look at it, adaptive reuse has been a key development type in the transformation of U.S. cities throughout the 21st century.

The Urban Landscape New York City Lost in the 2010s
Over the last decade, many historic buildings and cultural institutions throughout New York City have disappeared. The result has been the transformation of neighborhoods and the city’s character.

Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes
In the aftermath of a battle around preservation of a Denver diner, local officials are considering changes to the city’s historic landmark law.

Philadelphia Planning Commission Approves ADU Bill
The commission recommended a trio of bills focused on historic preservation, including one that would permit accessory dwelling units on historic properties.

Historic Preservation—A Reason to Nix Scooters?
Scooter opponents in Alexandria, Virginia, claim the devices threaten the historic character of the city, but supporters say the argument is nonsense.

Preservation and Redevelopment Can Work Hand in Hand
While historic preservation is often perceived to be a hinderance to development efforts, preserving buildings actually helps economic development, say advocates.

A Good Read for Planners and Peers: Why Old Places Matter
A recent book brings a common sense framework to historic preservation debates.

Historic Preservation And High Rents
Although individual old buildings may be less expensive than newer ones nearby, historic preservation may make both old and new buildings more expensive.

Atlanta’s Planning Commissioner Won’t Tolerate Bad Design Any Longer
Tim Keane says quality design isn’t negotiable and developers need to aim higher.

The Pace of Chicago Demolitions Worries Preservationists
In neighborhoods with lots of new development, buildings cited in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey are coming down fast.

How Mobile Homes Fill a 'Critical Gap' in Affordable Housing
Cities across America have a housing crisis on their hands—should they be talking more about trailer parks?

Could Savannah Lose Historic District Designation?
The National Park Service (NPS) recently commissioned a study to assess the integrity and condition of the Savannah National Historic Landmark District. That report recommends the district be categorized as “threatened.”

Historic Preservation vs. the Housing Crisis
How can cities balance the benefits of historic preservation with the need for new housing?
Pagination
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