Historic Preservation of LGBTQ Spaces

In an article in Planning Magazine, Kelly Kinahan and Matthew H. Ruther discuss their research into "the relationship between locally designated and National Register historic districts, and demographic, socioeconomic, and housing changes in 46  U.S. cities," with a particular focus on "unmarried partnered same-sex households (UPSSHs), racial and ethnic subgroups, and median household income." 

Their findings showed that in historic districts created in the 1990s, "when historic districts are in place, significant growth in UPSSHs follows," indicating that "planners concerned with protecting queer spaces should consider incorporating preservation-based approaches, including establishing local and National Register historic districts to preserve these spaces." The results also showed that "the presence of male UPSSHs increases the likelihood of locally designated historic districts," which "could suggest that male UPSSHs are key actors in the creation of locally designated historic districts, which aligns with the theory that gay men use historic preservation tools to demarcate space and power. Locally designated historic districts offer a more direct means of land control through the regulations outlined within the ordinances that govern changes to the district's built environment, which differ from NRHDs' mostly honorific status." Lastly, while historic designation seems to cause long-term displacement of racial and ethnic subgroups, the same does not hold true for UPSSHs.

The authors acknowledge the limitations of studying UPSSHs exclusively, reminding planners to "work with neighborhood residents to ensure all LGBTQ social histories and those of other historically marginalized groups are included in the significance statements for new historic district designations where appropriate."

"A more robust understanding of how preservation tools relate to neighborhood change — particularly among sexual, racial, and ethnic minority communities — can help planners as they grapple with the potentially negative effects of gentrification and displacement that could result from historic district designation." The authors hope that their research "will help practicing planners understand trends associated with historic preservation efforts and pinpoint interventions needed in historic districts to mitigate potentially negative outcomes for these demographic groups."