Preservation In The Face of Revitalization

How does a community reinvigorate itself while preserving its rich history?

1 minute read

August 2, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The community of Nauck, in South Arlington, is at a crossroads. Much as many other commuities in the nation today, the need for affordable housing and revitalization conflicts with the rich legacy and history left by it's founders. A historic Black community may loose it's identity if Nauck doesn't carefully manage their development.

"County officials hope the changes, including aggressive tax incentives, will spur new development in the area, including more affordable housing for seniors and first-time homebuyers who have been priced out of Arlington's hot real estate market. But the challenge... will be to reinvigorate the community while preserving its rich history. Nauck was settled before the Civil War by free blacks, who were later joined by freed slaves and former soldiers to became some of Arlington County's first black landowners."

Thanks to Fernando M. Coriano

Thursday, July 29, 2004 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 18, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs

City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.

June 18 - NBC San Diego

Large tower under construction with crane with American and Texas flags in downtown Austin, Texas against sunset sky.

Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing

Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.

June 18 - The Texas Tribune

Red brick five-story multifamily housing building in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings

Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.

June 18 - Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)