A New Years' Resolution for Atlanta: Prioritize Preservation

A call to action for Atlanta: some of the city's treasured landmarks could disappear in 2017 if the city doesn't embrace a culture of preservation.

1 minute read

January 15, 2017, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Atlanta

Underground Atlanta / Chuck Grimmett

"The coming of a new year heightens our sensitivity to the changes in our life and our city," according to an article by Maria Saporta that sounds a call to action regarding the pending demolition of many historic buildings around the city. According to Saporta, Atlanta has "a spotty record of preserving its most precious landmarks."

Saporta surveys Downtown Atlanta and the Westside of the city to provide details on the potential demolition of historic sites within the span of the calendar year.

"During this period of unprecedented development in Atlanta, we are destined to face more conflicts between preserving our past and building for our future," writes Saport. To find the balance between preservation, she recommends "a shift in our public and private mindset."

"A community that respects its history would view demolition as the option of last resort," writes Saporta.

Monday, January 2, 2017 in SaportaReport

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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

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