Course Description
Investigation of the financial tools and incentives used to promote the rehabilitation and redevelopment of historic buildings and districts in urban and rural settings. Study of broader economic and social impacts of preservation on communities. Examination of preservation projects and programs through field visits and guest lectures.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will undertake a major research paper on a specific preservation economic incentive and be required to lead two seminar reading discussions.
Athena Title
Preserv Finance and Revital
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, students should: 1. Understand the relationship between economic development and historic preservation and grasp the key areas of potential conflict in order to effectively problem-solve solutions. 2. Understand the shared role of government, non-profits, and the private sector in preservation and rehabilitation projects. 3. Acquire an understanding of the benefits of various financial tools and incentives for historic preservation projects, including grants, tax credits, and assessment freezes, façade easements, and revolving funds. 4. Be aware of the greater economic impacts that historic rehabilitation can have on downtowns and neighborhoods.
Topical Outline
Lecture, research, case studies, field visits, group discussion, and debate will form the core of the instructional method. Example of topical outline: 1. Introduction to evolution of planning trends and the impact upon preservation economics 2. Historic preservation as an economic development tool 3. Community impacts of historic preservation, retail sales, property values and employment, and gentrification 4. Federal, state, and local tax incentives 5. Grants and revolving funds 6. Nonprofit agencies 7. Heritage tourism 8. Adaptive use programs 9. Main Street and downtown rehabilitation