History / Preservation

What if the Greenest Building Isn't the One Already Standing?
Renovating old buildings instead of demolishing them as the better "green" option is preservation orthodoxy. But what if the decision between renovation and demolition is less than clear-cut?

New Historic Preservation Fund for Residents Proposed in Philadelphia
Defraying the costs of maintaining a historic home can help more families stay in their homes, according to the logic behind a preservation fund proposed in one of the most historic cities in the country.

New Life for the Longaberger Basket as a Luxury Hotel
A completely singular example of adaptive reuse could be delivered a gift basket in Newark, Ohio.

Gentrification Up Close in N.Y.C.'s West Village
A former resident of the iconic neighborhood reflects on its past, present, and future.

Condo Development Starts Construction in Philadelphia's Historic Jewelers Row
The traditional view of Sansom Street will soon vanish into Philadelphia's past, as the Jewelers Row District makes room for the future.

Controversial Decision Limits Solar Panels on Historic Homes in D.C.
"I realize that we are in crisis politically as well as sustainably. But…"

'Destination Crenshaw' Showcases South L.A.'s Strategic Advantage—Black Culture
Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson outlines Destination Crenshaw and highlights the economic development and community investment opportunities it brings to South L.A.

Iconic Remnants of Failed Tram on the Philly Waterfront to Be Demolished
It's the end of an era that never was.

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.

Batteries Replacing Horses in the Carriage Industry
A growing number of cities around the world, and around the United States, have banned horse-drawn carriages out of concern for the health and welfare of the horses.

Dodger Stadium as Civic Space with a New Front Door
Janet Marie Smith, famous for helping plan Camden Yards in Baltimore, discusses how Dodger Stadium's 'new front door' will optimize transit and pedestrian access while preserving the field's historic character and sweeping 'postcard views.'

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.

'The Last Black Man in San Francisco' Pays Homage to the City’s People and Places
The film captures a gentrifying San Francisco by incorporating many subtle details about the city's past and present.

Denied: No Sitting on Rome's Spanish Steps
Rome's Spanish Steps are no longer a place for sitting.

The 'Building Boom' Myth
Contrary to popular myth, New York is not drowning in new housing.

Gentrification Enters Preservation Debate Surrounding NYC's Strand Bookstore
The Renaissance Revival building that houses New York City's beloved Strand Bookstore is under consideration by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The case has provoked debate between rival advocates.

Does the Plan to Revitalize a D.C. Canal Too Much Resemble the High Line?
Controversy over a plan to revitalize the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal in Washington, D.C. has some questioning whether the High Line in New York City is the best model for the adaptive reuse of public space.

Exhibition Shows the Swagger and the Social Conscience of a Previous Era of Planning
It's rare for an entire exhibition to be devoted to the practice and history of planning. This is a big one.

8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Named World Heritage Sites
Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are the first works of U.S. modern architecture to be named UNESCO World heritage sites.
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