How can you incorporate historic preservation into an urban planning project?

1 Assess the historic significance

Before you start your urban planning project, you need to identify and evaluate the historic significance of the site and its surroundings. This means researching the history, architecture, and context of the buildings, structures, and features that you want to preserve or adapt. You can use various sources, such as maps, photographs, documents, oral histories, and field surveys, to gather information and evidence. You can also consult with experts, such as historians, architects, and archaeologists, to help you determine the historic significance and integrity of the site.

2 Involve the community

One of the key aspects of incorporating historic preservation into an urban planning project is to involve the community in the process. The community can provide valuable input, feedback, and support for your project, as well as help you identify the local values, needs, and preferences. You can engage the community through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, workshops, meetings, and exhibitions. You can also create partnerships with local organizations, such as historical societies, preservation groups, and neighborhood associations, to collaborate and cooperate on your project.

3 Follow the standards and guidelines

Another important aspect of incorporating historic preservation into an urban planning project is to follow the standards and guidelines that apply to your project. These can include federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as the National Historic Preservation Act, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the local historic district ordinances. These standards and guidelines can help you ensure that your project complies with the legal and ethical requirements of historic preservation, as well as preserve the character and quality of the historic site.

4 Explore the funding options

One of the common challenges of incorporating historic preservation into an urban planning project is finding adequate funding. Historic preservation can be costly, especially if it involves complex restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse of historic buildings and features. However, there are various funding options that you can explore to finance your project, such as grants, loans, tax credits, donations, and crowdfunding. You can also look for incentives and programs that encourage and support historic preservation, such as the Historic Preservation Fund, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Main Street Program.

5 Be creative and flexible

Finally, one of the best tips for incorporating historic preservation into an urban planning project is to be creative and flexible. Historic preservation does not mean freezing the site in time or preventing any change or development. It means finding ways to adapt and enhance the site to meet the current and future needs of the community, while respecting and celebrating its heritage and identity. You can use various design techniques, such as contrast, compatibility, continuity, and context, to create a harmonious and dynamic relationship between the old and the new.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?