Historic Preservation

4 articles

A diverse group of community members discussing preservation plans on a picturesque street lined with historic Victorian homes.

What is Local Historic Designation and Why Does It Matter?

National Register Historic Districts, despite their prestigious title, provide no protections from demolition or inappropriate development by private property owners.

Derek Molina·May 27, 2026

The historic John Raber House in Chicago, a 156-year-old landmark, stands weathered and empty with an uncertain future.

Real Estate

Future of Sunken Raber Landmark Home Remains Uncertain

Thirty years after being landmarked to save it from demolition, Chicago's 156-year-old John Raber House still sits weathered and empty, with no clear plans for its future.

Hannah Pierce·May 24, 2026

A visual representation of a historic street blending with modern architecture, symbolizing the challenge of balancing heritage and development.

Community

Neighborhoods Can't Balance History and Modernity Without Comprehensive Plans

In Excelsior, Minnesota, a proposal to redevelop the historic Dock Cinema property has sparked a heated debate, not over whether to preserve history, but over how much of it can be sacrificed for futu

Derek Molina·May 19, 2026

A beautifully restored historic building stands in contrast to modern city architecture, symbolizing the importance of preservation.

Neighborhoods

What are the benefits and challenges of historic preservation?

Only about 40 of the original 540 structures remain in Houston's Freedmen's Town district, a stark reminder of what proactive preservation prevents, according to Kinder .

Aaron Blake·May 15, 2026