Quality of Life Indicators Evident in Historic Residential Districts

Abstract

It is generally assumed that historic preservation contributed to quality of life in neighborhoods. However, most quality of life studies do not consider historic preservation as a specific indicator; this thesis attempts to correct this oversight. The first chapter provides an overview on the quality of life studies and historic preservation literature to determine which quality of life indicators are associated with historic neighborhoods. The quality of life indicators associated with historic neighborhoods are identified as sense of place, promoting economic development, and protecting community character. The next two chapters of this study determine if the quality of life in the Fan Area Historic District, located in Richmond, Virginia and the Capitol Hill Historic District, located in Washington, D.C. The last chapter suggests which quality of life indicators are associated with historic residential districts and should be included in future studies of this nature.