Preservation work is typically guided by laws and regulations on a local, state and federal level; often including incentives like tax credits for preservation.
Adaptive reuse of historic buildings can give them new life while protecting the unique historical qualities they possess. Furthermore, adaptive reuse contributes to creating Complete Communities while encouraging place-based economic development and conserving natural resources.
1. Advocacy
Advocates seek to gain support for preservation by raising public awareness of its historic resources. This can be accomplished through presentations to service clubs, churches or other groups; historical or cultural organizations; public tours; etc.
Historic places can become engines for social change by giving voice to narratives that have historically been marginalized. For instance, an African-American heritage center might help change a colonial historical perspective by featuring stories of individuals who both created and were created by history.
Communities that actively encourage historic preservation foster sustainability. Reusing old buildings and sites conserve natural resources while restoring historic structures to their original appearance typically utilizes more energy-efficient systems. Furthermore, preserving historic places can increase downtown business viability while reinvigorating sense of community in struggling economies or societies; these benefits are especially useful in rural settings or small towns.
2. Education
Historic preservation can enrich a community’s sense of history while giving it a distinct character that draws both visitors and residents alike.
Organizations such as local preservation groups, museums and state or national historic preservation offices regularly publish literature that discusses architectural styles, materials, restoration methods and funding possibilities as well as benefits associated with historic preservation. Such publications – in print media such as newspapers or magazines or broadcast media – help educate people about how essential historic places are.
Rehabilitation of older buildings can also be environmentally responsible. By eliminating the need for new building in dense urban environments and decreasing energy-intensive materials consumption, rehabilitation helps minimize urban sprawl. Historic preservation supports Complete Communities while simultaneously contributing to sustainable economic development strategies while being environmentally-friendly by conserving natural resources and protecting natural ecosystems.
3. Citizens’ Committees
An advisory committee provides community members the ability to express their opinions and perspectives in a small group setting. An ideal committee would consist of individuals with expertise or passion in the topic at hand as well as varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; its primary responsibility being providing citizen advice directly to Mayor and Commission who represent the Unified Government’s policy-making body.
Local governments can utilize historic districts, zoning standards that reflect historic character, and demolition review laws to preserve and protect historic places. Furthermore, communities can support preservation by including historic preservation strategies in their comprehensive plans.
Historic preservation activities can be funded from both public and private sources of funds, including grants available from Federal programs (e.g. for historic barns, covered bridges and archaeological sites), State grants/loans programs as well as foundation and non-profit grants/awards. Some communities even collect heritage preservation property taxes for this purpose.
4. Help and Support
Preserving historic places requires the cooperation and assistance of many people, groups, organizations and agencies. Individuals and communities engaged in preservation projects don’t need to go it alone – many local governments and state departments offer staff with expertise in this area, offering help and advice when necessary.
The National Park Service offers several resources and publications to aid in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, such as Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treating Historic Properties, AATA Online (Archipedia of Architectural Trade Catalogues and House Plan Books), Preservation Technical Information.
Cultural and historic sites bring economic advantages to their host communities. Attracting tourists who spend money at nearby hotels, restaurants, gas stations and shops – not forgetting creating jobs for historians, civil engineers architects tour guides etc – not to mention instilling pride for past achievements and heritage of communities they serve.
