In neighborhoods with lots of new development, buildings cited in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey are coming down fast.
Preservationists in Chicago are concerned that the pace of development is putting historically significant structures at risk before anything can be done to save them. Giving several examples of recent demolitions, including buildings designed by the firm of famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, AJ LaTrace writes, "The majority of these buildings were noted as being either architecturally or culturally significant in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey (CHRS), a comprehensive review and tally of historic buildings completed and published by the city in the mid-'90s."
Areas dramatically losing their historic building stock are often the same places undergoing rapid new development. Some of the most affected neighborhoods include Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, and the West Loop.
The fear is that "communities and preservation advocates simply do not have enough time to line up a buyer or produce a plan for adaptive reuse when demolition threats surface."
Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, "suggests that new development and preservation don't have to be mutually exclusive, but says that the Chicago Historic Resources Survey exists as a tool to help plan for a community's future."
FULL STORY: Is Chicago Experiencing a Historic Preservation Crisis?
Chicago Towers Recommended for Adaptive Reuse
Once slated for demolition, two historic buildings owned by the federal government will be restored for new uses.
San Diego to Update Historic Preservation Program
The city wants to identify new areas for preservation while streamlining processes to promote adaptive reuse of historic properties.
Op-Ed: A ‘Culture of Preciousness’ Undermines Historic Preservation
A focus on historic materials could foster inequity and obscure the important social and historical meanings of a structure.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie