Law Commons^™

Renewed Energy: Sustainable Historic Assets As Keystones In Urban Center Revitalization, Michael N. Widener

Michael N. Widener

Conservation of the “built heritage” optimally manages historic values of property in light of current community imperatives of sustainability and urban center revitalization. Sensible historic preservation reveals the values of the past for present and future generations while delivering high-quality built environments that incorporate community sustainability. Adaptive reuse of historic structures preserves without ruining place-making. This paper argues that greater emphasis must be placed upon adaptive reuse in historic preservation initiatives. Acknowledging the larger significance of community cohesion and livability for all citizens, community planning processes within state and local governments must impose certain constraints upon historic property designation and …