Historic Preservation--Why Re-use Historic Buildings?

Economic Engine
Rehabbing historic buildings creates jobs
Compared with new construction, money spent on restoration circulates longer in the community (since more of the cost is spent on labor and less on materials that may be manufactured elsewhere)
People like to visit charming places with distinctive character – historic buildings draw “heritage tourists” to a community
Rehabilitated historic buildings become tax-paying assets

Downtown Revitalization
Re-use of historic structures brings people downtown
Historic buildings create appealing public space, adding to a sense of community
Successful re-use of historic buildings attracts customers for existing businesses
Re-investment in historic places raises value of surrounding areas

Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
“The greenest building is the one that’s already built” – re-use of existing buildings takes advantage of the energy and materials that were expended in constructing these buildings in the first place
Avoids adding materials to landfills through demolition and the waste associated with new construction
A heritage building is a renewable resource when it is rehabilitated; it is nothing but landfill when it is razed.

Smart Growth
Dense, mixed-use development creates vibrant downtowns rather than sprawl
Re-use of historic buildings keeps community development on a human scale where residents and visitors alike can feel at home
Encourages walking instead of driving (better for health and the environment)

Community Character and Quality of Life
Historic preservation retains what is unique about a community, providing a tangible link to local history and culture
Historic preservation prevents “generica,” where every place looks like every other place
Historic preservation encourages community pride and sense of place

** Historic preservation is both economic development and community development.**

Adapted from the work of Donovan Rypkema, Principal of PlaceEconomics.com