The Past and Future City: How Historic Preservation is Reviving America's Communities

by Stephanie Meeks, Kevin C. Murphy

At its most basic, historic preservation is about keeping old places alive, in active use, and relevant to the needs of communities today. As cities across America experience a remarkable renaissance, and more and more young, diverse families choose to live, work, and play in historic neighborhoods, the promise and potential of using our older and historic buildings to revitalize our cities is stronger than ever. This urban resurgence is a national phenomenon, boosting cities from Cleveland to Buffalo and Portland to Pittsburgh. Experts offer a range of theories on what is driving the return to the city—from the impact of the recent housing crisis to a desire to be socially engaged, live near work, and reduce automobile use. But there’s also more to it. Time and again, when asked why they moved to the city, people talk about the desire to live somewhere distinctive, to be some place rather than no place. Often these distinguishing urban landmarks are exciting neighborhoods—Miami boasts its Art Deco district, New Orleans the French Quarter. Sometimes, as in the case of Baltimore’s historic rowhouses, the most distinguishing feature is the urban fabric itself.While many aspects of this urban resurgence are a cause for celebration, the changes have also brought to the forefront issues of access, affordable housing, inequality, sustainability, and how we should commemorate difficult history. This book speaks directly to all of these issues. In The Past and Future City, Stephanie Meeks, the president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, describes in detail, and with unique empirical research, the many ways that saving and restoring historic fabric can help a city create thriving neighborhoods, good jobs, and a vibrant economy. She explains the critical importance of preservation for all our communities, the ways the historic preservation field has evolved to embrace the challenges of the twenty-first century, and the innovative work being done in the preservation space now. This book is for anyone who cares about cities, places, and saving America’s diverse stories, in a way that will bring us together and help us better understand our past, present, and future. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Urban Planning, Architecture, History, Urbanism, Cities, Politics

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

Reviews

[ambyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate Meeks's desire to bring together urbanists and preservationists; I went into this book believing that they had an underappreciated number of shared concerns. Unfortunate, I left the book less convinced than I began that the two groups could ever meaningfully work together. There is some new-to-me information here about tax credits and other funding approaches to development, information that I appreciated. But there's also a lot of misinformation, from cherry-picked quotes to blatant geographical errors, and there is rarely any depth. Meeks's handling of gentrification and affordability is so brief and breezy that it comes off as actively dismissive about one of the greatest challenges facing urbanism today.

I like old buildings, too. I think they're attractive and interesting--even ones other people dismiss. (Yes, I like Brutalist architecture.) I believe that new construction is often environmentally wasteful. But what I want most of all in urban renewal is to put people first, and there's very little evidence in this book--which is long on terrible infographics and short on case studies or dialogues with affected groups--that Meeks agrees with that sentiment.

[Anna]

Review forthcoming in Publishers Weekly. A passionate and well-researched work advocating the economic, environmental, and social value of historic preservation in the United States. Meeks (president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation) and co-author Murphy draw on the Trust's own data, case studies, and half a century of urban studies scholarship to argue forcefully that continued use of older buildings is resource efficient and strengthens communities through maintaining ties to place. Meeks and Murphy pay particular attention to the importance of affordability and cultural diversity, and the role of historic preservation in addressing structural inequality. An engaging and policy-oriented read.

[Mid Century Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can historic preservation save cites, at a time when they are obsolescing from natural disasters, economic cycles, terrorist threats? The author connects data about populations migrating toward historic downtowns, with indices of economic prosperity and healthy well-being. And concludes with proven evidence that these cities can add to the happiness of citizens. Along the way, she disputes the notion that preservationists are the “paint police.” Full review MidCenturyBooks.Net, Historic City

[Jamie Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m trying to learn more about historic preservation to get a better job at the DNR. This was the first HP book I’ve read, and it was pretty good.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating look at city development through the lens of preservation. I don't think I assumed all preservationists were stodgy antiques, but this book helped dispel any notions I may have had. Additionally, it provided a lot of advice for someone looking to revitalize an area - while also being aware of the dangers of gentrification. There is great concern about not displacing citizens who've been in an area for decades throughout this book - and plenty of examples of how creating something new (rather than reusing the old) has done just that.

This book isn't just for city planners. It's for anyone who's looking to improve their community. There are practical reminders - shop local! It's also certainly a promotional tool for the National Trust, but in the broadest sense: proof that a group of people can be powerful and compassionate simultaneously.

[Anastassia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After this book I think differently about historic preservation and about cities and neighborhoods altogether. Lots of references and interesting facts that will stick with you for long time to think about them. I'm giving 4 stars just because for me there was too much talk about funding and it is something that is not useful for me but I bet it could be a goldmine for someone who has to deal with old houses and oversee their renovation process.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you're interested in urban planning and the important role historic conservation plays in it, then you will love this book too. Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little hesitant to read this because I'm not well-versed in historic preservation and was afraid it would be boring/inaccessible, but this book was neither of those things. She covered enough background of the preservation movement and its evolution to make me feel like I understood the basics of historic preservation, but she also emphasized the way forward for preservationists.* The book addressed arguments against preservation and made what I think were very compelling arguments that preservation is the necessary way forward for urban planning. It also highlighted challenges to the movement going forward, but instead of merely laying them out, Meeks offered solutions and suggestions for overcoming them.
I also appreciated how she presented the interaction between preservation and sustainability/affordability. After reading this book, I not only better understand historic preservation and its goals, I understand that it is an integral component of social justice.
*I think one of the book's biggest strengths is that it shows how any citizen who cares about their community, not just a professional preservationist, can take steps to make it better.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeks makes a pretty good case for the preservation and adaptive reuse of older buildings. I liked reading about different historic areas throughout the country and the different impacts those communities have felt e.g. increased economic activity, community cohesion, at times gentrification, as a result of using their older buildings. One of her strongest points was how reusing existing buildings is much more eco-friendly than razing old buildings and building new "eco"buildings.

[JoAnn Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is jam-packed with ideas and information. It seems a bit promotional and attempts to justify the past, present, and future ideology and actions of The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization. There is just something... something not quite right... that maybe further research will identify.

[Alex Abboud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended book for anyone interested in preservation and urban issues. It demystifies some stereotypes about the movement, and shows concrete examples of how preservation efforts have succeeded and how communities benefited.

[Du · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overall review of historic preservation activities in the US and the general flavor of the book. It was on the text book side of things, which worked, but didn't necessarily feel to reader friendly.

[Lucy Stallworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a historic preservation class. Written by the head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation! Provides a compelling history of the subject, and questions about the future of historic preservation. Poses interesting questions about sustainability, inclusivity, and our country.

[Miriam Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed a few of my views on heritage!! A good read.

[Lydia Klima · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historic preservation. If you love it, too, read Stephanie Meeks.

[DW Rowlands · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thoughts on this book largely mirror this review, unsurprising since I read it for the same book club as that reviewer did.

[Jared]

A fine book, though probably did not say anything new/original enough to be present in senior seminar.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for preservationists.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Past and Future City is a book that describes what historic preservation is rather than what others perceive the field to be. It looks behind the protection of buildings based on architectural beauty and focuses instead on communities. Meeks and Murphy both look to provide context for some of preservation's successes and struggles. They convincingly emphasize the importance of the movement to telling a broader narrative of history, while also going beyond the anecdotal to using data to show how a combination of older and smaller buildings are critical for keeping communities vibrant and strong.

Perhaps one of the most important elements of the book are the chapters on displacement and affordability – where Meeks and Murphy discuss the methods in which historic preservation can and should mitigate shifts in demographics in cities over time.

A book worth reading for those within and outside the preservation movement.

Note: All proceeds from the purchase of this book go back to my employer - the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too often, and for too long, historic preservation is seen as an obstacle to positive change in cities. Stephanie Meeks walks not only why that's the case, but why it's also patently false. This book is well-sourced and well-researched, full of nuggets on how historic preservation can be applied in creative ways. It's a must-read for urbanists and city officials looking to do good by their city and its communities.

[Helen Tocco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more the second time I read it. The author does a great job laying out the various impacts and challenges of historic preservation. However, I will note that historic easements are conspicuously absent from the chapter about funding and financing options.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, timely read. I much prefer visiting places with a "history." And, this book makes a compelling case for the multiple benefits of preservation.

[Rebecca Wild-wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the granddaughter of Buffalo residents, in the 1960's our family home was razed by the wrecking ball of city planners. A beautiful Victorian single-family house with custom woodwork, leaded glass windows and one of a kind features was destroyed, along with the entire neighborhood and left for decades - with remnants of driveways and sidewalks. Eventually a "modern" medical building replaced the neighborhood. This destruction continues today as hospitals, big business, and drive through gas/coffee stations wreck homes - grand and ordinary. And small towns, hungry for tax-revenue, accept this as inevitable to maintaining town budgets, while losing the character of the neighborhood. Very thought-providing and inspirational.

[Andrea McGimsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Past and Future City is an excellent and interesting analysis of historic preservation and so much more. Stephanie Meeks takes the work of the National Trust and other brilliant minds in urban planning and distills it all into a highly readable book that will influence my work for many years to come.