Stewarding the Suburbs: Preserving the Landscape of the Ordinary

Abstract

This thesis argues that although many inner-ring working-class suburbs may fall outside the current historic designation eligibility standards due to determinations of lack of integrity, significance or architectural merit those places still deserve recognition and stewardship. These places are becoming targeted for redevelopment or retrofitting which could bring change that may potentially threaten the character-defining features of these places. This thesis will propose and examine alternatives to historic designation that will allow communities to maintain their identity and character while allowing for change and redevelopment. I will use the neighborhood of Baltimore Highlands in Maryland as a study area to explore different alternatives to designation and approaches to flexible management styles by examining their strengths/weaknesses opportunities/threats. The complexity of each suburban typology and the needs of each place will require Historic Preservation professionals to think outside our typical approaches and look toward ones that are more people-centered and offer the flexibility of significance and management that would encompass a variety of places and give community members a more active role in the future of the places they value. Of the approaches offered in this study, there are no definitive answers on what is the best or preferred approach. The goal of this study is not to prescribe a particular approach but to offer a menu of options that can be tailored to the specific needs of a place.