History / Preservation

Detroit Columnist: 30 Years Isn't Long Enough for a Sports Arena to Stand
The short life of the Palace of Auburn Hills, once home to the NBA's Detroit Pistons, is a "colossal waste," according to John Gallagher.

Why Are These Prime Boston Properties Sitting Vacant?
Even though they often occupy valuable real estate, some Boston properties have sat vacant in various states of limbo for years.

New Master Plan for L.A.’s Hollywood Walk of Fame
The plan will detail $4 million in improvements to one of the city’s biggest tourist draws.

Portland Building, Remodeled Instead of Demolished, Might Lose Historic Status
A renovation saved the Portland Building, designed by postmodern pioneer Michael Graves, from demolition, but its likely doomed its status on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sea Ranch's Changing Architectural Vision
The progressive Northern California project is adapting to the times.

Eastern State Penitentiary: A Class about the Past Speaks to the Present and the Future
Built as an embodiment of the ideals of prison reformers, the Eastern State Penitentiary had running water and central heating before the White House, and housed the first synagogue built in an American prison.

Opposing Bike Lanes in the Name of Historic Preservation
Can a bike lane threaten the historic character of a parkway? One group of local advocates in Denver thinks so.

L.A.'s Union Station Turns 80 and Looks to the Future
Ridership is down and the station has struggled in recent years, but new plans could help revive the 80-year-old historic landmark.

The Many Nicknames for Chicago's Elevated Railway
The el/El/L debate has never been resolved, but the CTA says its usage is the correct one.

Endangered Historic Places of the United States
The National Trust for Historic Preservation today announced its list of the 11 most endangered historic places in the country.

Was King's Landing Worth Saving?
Spoilers are coming.

Leonardo da Vinci and Urbanism
Leonardo Da Vinci gets credit for many inventions and creative breakthroughs, but his contributions to the theory of city making gets less credit.

The Practical Confessions of an Urbanist Pilgrim
After 12 days of walking the Portuguese Camino, the importance of many urban planning and development debates—from balanced growth to banning cars—became abundantly clear.

Predicting the 'Next Generation of Historic Places'
The public responds to a list of "40 Under 40"—places built between 1978 and 2018 bound for historic significance.

Protecting Detroit's Historic Food District
Detroit's historic food district is under very contemporary development pressure, so the nonprofit tasked with managing the market has decided to define principles that prioritize affordability and inclusivity in the area.

Google Maps' Digital Erasure Highlights Issues of Community Identity in Buffalo, NY
In the face of displacement and gentrification, residents of the Fruit Belt neighborhood of Buffalo, NY point to tech-giant Google's map service as one among many possible causes.

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.

Trails and Rails Battle in San Francisco Bay Shoreline Park
Can freight trains and a scenic shoreline park along San Francisco Bay coexist, or are they incompatible uses? The East Bay Regional Park District voted to remove old rail tracks that BNSF Railway wants to reactivate. A local court may decide.
Cobblestones vs. Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Controversy in Brooklyn
Improving streets in Sunset Park by removing cobblestones and aging train tracks has created a controversy between historic preservation and the need for safe bike and walking facilities and other streetscape improvements.
New York City to Reduce Truck Emissions by Investing in Freight Rail Infrastructure
The Big Apple may claim the nation's highest public transit ridership, but it ranks well below average in its use of freight rail. Two small short line railroads are at the center of a $100 million investment to reduce truck reliance.
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