Do Old Buildings Contribute to Economic Vitality?

Emily Badger shares news of a new study by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which "suggests that older, smaller buildings do matter to a city's economy and a neighborhood's commercial life beyond the allure of affordable fixer-uppers."

A few examples of the report's findings:

• "In Seattle, the report found one-third more jobs per commercial square foot in parts of town with a variety of older, smaller buildings mixed in." 
• And in San Francisco's older neighborhoods, the study "found more than twice the rate of women and minority-owned businesses."

Badger also includes more details on the study's methods as well as a few conclusions drawn from the study by the National Trust.