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

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