In a groundbreaking webcast, titled “How Planning and Preservation Can Work Together to Create Great Places,” the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Planning Association have forged a path towards unity and cooperation between two seemingly distinct realms – historic preservation and urban planning.
The webcast, hosted by Rhonda Syncavage from the National Trust and Alicia from the American Planning Association, marks the first of a two-part series aimed at revealing the untapped potential in bringing together planning and preservation. The event was made possible through the support of the Preservation Leadership Forum, the professional membership program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
At its core, the webcast sought to address the tensions and silences that have long existed between historic preservation and planning. Recognizing the progress made thus far, both organizations believe that a closer collaboration is essential to advance their work and foster a shared vision of creating great places.
Diving into the heart of the matter, the webcast introduced experts with extensive experience in integrating preservation into planning efforts. Matt Ashby, Vice President for Development Services at Ayers Associates, shared his valuable insights from a successful career that spanned both the public and private sectors. With a wealth of knowledge, he emphasized the importance of striking a balance between preservation and growth, highlighting the role of preservation as an economic and community development tool.
Equally impressive was Gwen, whose illustrious career began as a preservationist and later evolved into a prominent figure as a planning director. She narrated how preservation played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, transforming it from a deteriorated suburb into a thriving hub. Additionally, she touched upon the challenges faced during the preservation process, citing an instance where a proposed cancer center clashed with the preservation of historic structures.
Throughout the webcast, the delicate interplay between design, preservation, and planning emerged as a recurring theme. Participants discussed how innovative design solutions have successfully transformed historic buildings and neighborhoods, creating harmony between past and present.
One of the more contentious issues raised during the webcast was the debate surrounding the development of historic residential properties. While some favored preserving these structures to maintain community character, others believed that converting them into mixed-use spaces could drive economic growth. In light of this, the webcast showcased a promising approach by Nashville-Davidson County, which incorporated natural systems perspectives into their Urban Design framework.
Despite differing perspectives, the webcast underlined the importance of community involvement and education in fostering a deeper appreciation for preservation. Participants agreed that experiencing historic places firsthand is a potent tool in conveying the value of preservation to the public.
As the webcast came to a close, it was evident that this endeavor is just the beginning of a new era of cooperation between planning and preservation. By building bridges between these two disciplines, it becomes possible to create inclusive and sustainable communities that honor their heritage while embracing progress.
In the end, the webcast served as a beacon of hope, igniting a passion for collaboration and pushing both planning and preservation professionals to work together, forging a brighter future for our cities, towns, and neighborhoods. With open dialogue and creative solutions, the potential for greatness lies in their hands – and together, they can create places that stand the test of time.
The webinar can be viewed here.
