History / Preservation

The Everyday Urbanism Of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue

Away from New York City's gentrified neighborhoods, there exists the middle class, ethnically diverse, and incredibly unglamorous neighborhoods of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue.

April 16, 2007 - The New York Times

Another Groundbreaking For 2nd Avenue Subway

On April 12, for the third time in 35 years, there will be a groundbreaking for the long-awaited Second Avenue subway in NYC. This article reveals the troubled history for this long-awaited subway line.

April 11, 2007 - The New York Times

'Historic Value' Prevents Teardown Of Ranch-Style Home

Preservationists have petitioned the city and stopped a homeowner from tearing down the 1950s ranch-style home he recently purchased, citing the home's historic value.

April 9, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Facing Urban Renewal, Montreal's Red-Light District Gathers Defenders

City officials in Montreal want to clean up its red-light district, targeting the notoriously X-rated area as the first site for urban renewal in the city. But many say the area's heritage and soul are worth preserving.

April 9, 2007 - The Globe and Mail

Historic Preservation Or 'Architectural Taxidermy'?

A number of historic buildings in Chicago are being preserved -- but only on the outside. Developers have bent the rules of preservation to repurpose historic buildings as parking garages and luxury condos while preserving only their facades.

April 9, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Increase In Open Space For Portland Region

The regional government in Portland, Oregon, has set its sights on buying up thousands of acres of scenic lands for open space and parks. The voter-approved buy is part of a plan to improve many of the region's public spaces.

April 3, 2007 - The Oregonian

Old Town Pasadena Is a Victim of Its Own Smart Growth Success

Plans for condominiums and senior housing in downtown Pasadena may create traffic and aesthetic problems.

March 25, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

A Showdown Over Historic Preservation In Canada

Newly announced plans by the government to create a Canadian National Trust dismays leaders of the Canadian Heritage Foundation, who wonder if they are being replaced over political differences.

March 22, 2007 - INTBAU News

When The Road To The Future Erases The Past

Column McCann laments the loss of Ireland's cultural and environmental heritage as a result of the construction of new motorways.

March 20, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Does Starbucks Belong In The Forbidden City?

One Chinese lawmaker is claiming the coffee chain's outpost in Beijing's Imperial Palace Complex, a venerable symbol of American capitalism, is tainting the national culture that the site represents.

March 17, 2007 - Forbes

Racing Towards Modernization, Vietnam's Past Is Threatened

Spurred by extraordinary economic and urban growth, Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a building boom. But preservationists are worried about the danger to the city's priceless colonial era heritage.

March 15, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Rediscovering The Arcades Of Paris

Though still struggling to survive as modern day retail hubs, the shopping arcades of Paris are attracting a resurgence of interest, especially from tourists.

March 12, 2007 - The New York Times

County Pressures Donors To Save Historic Farm

County officials are trying to find philanthropists to help buy land rights to a historic Pennsylvania farm, one that could be offered up to builders if preservationists do not buy the land by August 2.

March 11, 2007 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

12 Distinctive Destinations For 2007

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has published its annual list of twelve unique communities with a commitment to preservation.

March 9, 2007 - National Trust For Historic Preservation

An Urban Tale: NYC's East 93rd Street

New York Times writer Chistopher Gray chronicles the history and recent renovation of New York City's 'brownstone Grand Canyon' on East 93rd street.

February 28, 2007 - The New York Times

Should Gay Districts Be Preserved?

Long known internationally as America's "Gay Mecca", San Francisco's Castro District is seeing an influx of straight couples who find the district's amenities attractive. A movement is afoot to ensure the district retains its gay identity.

February 26, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Protected Territory List Disappoints Environmentalists And Investors

As part of its entrance into the European Union, Bulgaria was required to submit a list of territories it wanted to have protected. The list has fallen short of environmentalists' hopes, and gone too far in the minds of landowners and investors.

February 25, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Construction Threatening China's Heritage

The tremendous scale and pace of construction in China threatens to bulldoze over thousands of years of archaeological sites.

February 24, 2007 - International Herald-Tribune

'Adult Studio' Better Use For Historic Building Than Housing

After the San Francisco Planning Department rejects several condo projects for the city's historic State Armory and Arsenal Building on the edge of the Mission District, an Internet pornography studio buys the building to make films.

February 23, 2007 - The Wall Street Journal

Saving Shanghai's Art Deco Gems

Even with widespread demolition of old buildings to make way for modern towers, the city still has more art deco buildings than anywhere else on earth. A new photo book hopes to inspire the city to preserve its rich architectural legacy.

February 23, 2007 - Time Magazine

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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.

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