Placekeeping for Preservation: Building a Culturally Sustainable Preservation Model

Abstract

Focusing on preserving significant architecture and landscapes by identifying character-defining features and the historic context of significance has long been in the purview of the historic preservation professional. While tens of thousands of properties have been listed on the National Register, historic preservation has faced criticism that it has not effectively evolved its identification and designation tools over the decades to include histories that do not fit neatly into the criteria and rules set by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards. Buildings and spaces lend tangibility to culture, but the cultural heritage must first be understood and valued, especially at the local level. When historic preservation originates with a foundational intention of preserving the cultures developed by those presently using the space, particularly by acknowledging and utilizing the knowledge of current residents, the community impacted may develop a greater trust in the preservation process. Using a culturally sustainable preservation model builds on the sense of place and cultural identity of the existing community, and will lead to preservation that is more readily accepted and successful. This thesis looks into how a culturally sustainable preservation model could be utilized in neighborhoods in Legacy Cities. It explores the threats faced by people within these neighborhoods from encroaching development, and fears over gentrification and displacement. Examining the Buffalo, New York, neighborhoods of Elmwood Historic District and the Fruit Belt as case studies, we can see how and why to design and implement a preservation plan that embraces tangible and intangible representations of cultural and heritage resources.