The Past and Future City: How Historic Preservation is Reviving America's Communities - Hardcover

Stephanie Meeks; Kevin C. Murphy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1610917081 ISBN 13: 9781610917087

Publisher: Island Press, 2016

Synopsis

At its most basic, historic preservation is about keeping old places alive, in active use, and relevant to the needs of communities today. As cities across America experience a remarkable renaissance, and more and more young, diverse families choose to live, work, and play in historic neighbourhoods, the promise and potential of using our older and historic 'buildings to revitalise cities is stronger than ever.

This urban-resurgence is a national phenomenon, boosting cities from Cleveland to Buffalo and Portland to Pittsburgh. Experts offer a range of theories on what is driving the return to the City, from the impact of the recent housing crisis to a desire to be socially engaged, live near work, and reduce automobile use. But there's also more to it. Time and again, when asked why they moved to the city, people talk about the desire to live somewhere distinctive, to be some place rather than no place. Often these distinguishing Urban landmarks are exciting neighbourhoods, Miami boasts its Art Deco district, New Orleans the French Quarter. Sometimes, as in the case of Baltimore's historic row houses, the most distinguishing feature is the urban fabric itself.

In The Past and Future City, Stephanie Meeks, the president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, describes in detail, and with unique empirical research, the many ways that saving and restoring historic fabric can help a city create thriving neighbourhoods, good jobs, and a vibrant economy. She explains the critical Importance of preservation for all communities, the ways the historic preservation field has evolved to embrace the challengers of the twenty-first century, and the innovative work being done in the preservation space now.

This book is for anyone who cares about cities, places, and saving America's diverse stories, in a way that bring people together and helps people better understand their past, present and future.

About this title

About the Author

Stephanie Meeks has been the president and chief executive officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation since July 2010. Before joining the National Trust, she served in several senior executive positions, including chief operating officer as well as acting president and Chief executive officer, during her 17-year career with The Nature Conservancy.

Kevin C. Murphy is the speechwriter at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For nearly two decades, he has worked behind the scenes as a speechwriter, ghostwriter, researcher, editor, and advisor.

Edition details

• Publisher: Island Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1610917081
• ISBN 13: 9781610917087
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 280