How-To & Education

Reason Eighteen

No new land is consumed when rehabilitating a historic building.1 point

^#2

Reason One

Public Infrastructure. Almost without exception historic buildings are where public infrastructure already exists. No new water lines, sewer lines, streets, curbs, gutters required.0 points

^#3

Reason Two

Municipalities need financial resources if they are going to grow smart. Vacant, unused, and underused historic buildings brought back, to life are also brought back as tax generating assets for a community.0 points

^#4

Reason Three

New activities-residential, retail, office, manufacturing-in historic buildings inherently reinforce the viability of public transportation.0 points

^#5

Reason Four

If we are to expect citizens to use their cars less, and use their feet more, then the physical environment within which they live, work, shop and play needs to have a pedestrian rather than vehicular orientation.0 points

^#6

Reason Five

Another element in the drive to encourage human movement by means other than the automobile is the interconnection of uses. Based on the foolishness of post World War 11 planning and development patterns, uses have been sharply separated. Historic neighborhoods were built from the beginning with a mix of uses in close proximity. Cities with the foresight to readjust their zoning ordinances to encourage integration of uses are seeing that interconnectivity reemerging in historic areas.0 points

^#7

Reason Six

As a strong proponent of economic development, I am certainly glad the phrase is Smart Growth as opposed to no growth. Smart Growth suggests that growth has positive benefits and I would agree that is true.
The encouraged reinvestment in historic areas in and of itself revitalizes and revalues the nearby existing investment of both the public and private sectors.0 points

^#8

Reason Seven

We see periodic headlines about some real or imagined "Back to the City" movement.
Certainly people moving back to the core of a town or city of any size have a positive impact on a whole range of environmental goals. In nearly every instance it is back to the historic neighborhoods and historic buildings within the city. We need to pay attention to market patterns, and if it is back to historic neighborhoods to which people are moving, we need to keep those neighborhoods viable for that to hap...0 points

^#9

Reason Eight

Smart Growth also implies economic growth means new jobs. But who is creating the new jobs in America? Not General Motors, or IBM, or Kodak. Eighty-five percent of all new jobs in America are created by small businesses. And for most small businesses there are few costs that are controllable, but there is one: occupancy. Older and historic buildings often provide the affordable rent that allows small businesses to get started.0 points

^#10

Reason Nine

Business districts are sustainably successful where there is a diversity of businesses. And that diverse business mix requires a diverse range of rental rates. Only in downtowns and older commercial neighborhoods is there such diversity. Try finding any rental-rate diversity in the regional shopping center or the s-called office park. There ain%u2019t none. Older business districts with their diverse rents are Smart Growth.0 points

^#11

Reason Ten

Let me distinguish new construction from rehabilitation in terms of creating jobs. As a general rule new construction is 50 percent labor and 50 percent materials. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is 60 to 70 percent labor. While we buy an HVAC system from Ohio, sheetrock from Texas and timber from Oregon, we buy services of the carpenter and plumber, painter and electrician from across the street. They subsequently spend that paycheck for a hair cut, membership in the local Y and a new car, r...0 points

^#12

Reason Eleven

Solid waste landfill is expensive in both dollars and environmental quality. Sixty to 65 percent ofmost landfill sites are made up of construction debris. And much of that waste comes from the razing of existing structures. Preserving instead of demolishing our inventory of historic buildings reduces that construction waste. Preserving instead of demolishing our inventory of historic buildings is Smart Growth.0 points

^#13

Reason Twelve

Its critics have pointed out that so-called New Urbanism is neither new nor urban. New Urbanist development is fully compatible with the goals of Smart Growth. I would argue that New Urbanism reflects good urban design principles. But those principles have already been at work for a century or more in our historic neighborhoods. The sensitive renewal of those neighborhoods is Smart Growth.0 points

^#14

Reason Thirteen

Smart Growth advocates a density of use. Historic residential and commercial neighborhoods are built to be dense.0 points

^#15

Reason Fourteen

Historic buildings themselves are not liabilities as often seen by public and private sector demolition advocates, but are assets not yet returned to productive use.0 points

^#16

Reason Fifteen

The rehabilitation of older and historic neighborhoods is putting jobs where the workers already are.0 points

^#17

Reason Sixteen

Around the country historic preservation is the one form of economic development that is simultaneously community development.0 points

^#18

Reason Seventeen

Reinvigorating historic neighborhoods reinforces existing schools and allows them to recapture their important educational, social and cultural role on a neighborhood level.0 points

^#19

Reason Nineteen

The diversity of housing sites, qualities, styles and characteristics of historic neighborhoods stands in sharp contrast to the monolithic character of current subdivisions. The diversity of housing options means a diversity of human beings who can live in historic neighborhoods.0 points

^#20

Reason Twenty

I'm not opposed to acquiring greenbelts around cities or development rights on agricultural properties. Those are certainly important and valuable tools in a comprehensive Smart Growth strategy. But they only reduce the supply of land to be developed; they do not address the demand for the new use of that land. The conversion of a historic warehouse into 40 residential units reduces the demand for ten acres of farmland. The economic revitalization of Main Street reduces the demand for another st...0 points

Hot Historic Preservation Pages!

Beautiful Buildings: A blog about beautiful buildings - ones we've saved, ones that are threatened, ones that have been restored - it's all here.
International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism: INTBAU is a world wide organisation dedicated to the support of traditional building, the maintenance of local character and the creation of better places to live. We are creating an active network of individuals and institutions who design, make, maintain, study or enjoy traditional building, architecture and places.
The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America, founded as two separate nonprofit organizations in 1991 and 1968, respectively, merged in 2002 as a national organization dedicated to advancing the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism and their allied arts. It does so though education, publication, and advocacy.
Veritas et Venustas: "Hello, my name is John. I'm a recovering architect."

I like all sorts of towns, cities and buildings, but what I design are Classical buildings and Traditional cities.

The Ransom Gillis House, Brush Park, Detroit, MI. Demolition by neglect.

My Book Review on Amazon

The Old Way of Seeing: How Architecture Lost Its Magic - And How to Get It Back

by Jonathan Hale

This book should be a starting point, and frankly, required reading for anyone interested in Architecture, Design, or Preservation. It is so bloody good that I secretly wish I had written it myself. After reading this book, I scour the countryside looking for examples of "good design". I feel I have "new eyes" now.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built

by Stewart Brand

A close second to "The Old Way of Seeing".... Buildings evolve over time, and with each addition or subtraction we must take into account the entire structure. This book helps you look at a building that has "evolved" and be able to discern the history and time period behind each change. But beyond all that, it's a great read!

Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 10/06/2008)

Recycled Spaces: Converting Buildings into Homes

by Vinny Lee, Roy Main

"Recycling" can preserve historic buildings in so many creative ways, and this book shows you how. It is divided by type of building (ie train stations, churches) and examples are given of each. Each home comes with a floorplan and brief history of what it was and its evolution. This is also an excellent design source.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

Victorian Domestic Architectural Plans and Details: 734 Scale Drawings of Doorways, Windows, Staircases, Moldings, Cornices, and Other Elements

by William T. Comstock

My wildest fantasy is to build a "new" Victorian with "old" plans. This book is my inspiration.

Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 10/06/2008)

A Field Guide to American Houses

by Virginia McAlester, Lee McAlester, Juan Rodriguez-Arnaiz, Lauren Jarrett (Illustrator)

Extremely handy for identifying building styles while out and about. Indispensible.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/06/2008)

Welcome History Buffs, Architects, and Building-Huggers of all shapes and sizes!

Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some stars by clicking 1 to 5 stars in the right hand set of 5 stars above.

Also please LensRoll Me and Add Me To Your Favorites.

And please rate this lens, while you're here...

Thanks for stopping by!

EditionH

Great lens,I agree the economic reasons for preservation of historic buildings are neglected to often.

Posted August 21, 2008

Motocross_Life

Your lens should be mandatory reading in architecture class.....

Posted August 01, 2008

Jeffreyteta12

Wonderful lens. Awesome information about the importance of preservation of old historic buildings and how to make money by doing so. Well try and keep it on. Thanks for your good effort and for sharing. I like this lens and rated 5 stars. Please find an equal important and interesting site about Portable buildings on Portable Buildings If you have time please visit this site to surf more information about Butler Buildings, Garages Buildings, Portable Buildings Plans, Portable Commercial Buildings, Portable Metal Building, Portable Modular Buildings, Relocatable Building, Relocatable Buildings and Transportable Buildings.

Posted April 07, 2008

Tiddledeewinks

I love old houses, and agree they should be preserved! Nice informational lens.

Posted April 02, 2008

mandyc008

nice lens! i found out some good information regarding on preservation of old buildings.I also want to share to you information about electrician house.Please drop by. Thanks!

Posted March 15, 2008

mandyc008

nice lens! i found out some good information regarding on preservation of old buildings.I also want to share to you information about electrician house.Please drop by. Thanks!

Posted March 15, 2008

jagiyadav

good lens..excellent information on saving the historic building and its importance..the reasons stated by you for preserving the historic building also sounds good..thanks for sharing such a beautiful lens and here is the similar kind of information on Trailer buildings , an interesting site about RV buildings, Portable Buildings cabins and Trailer buildings..pls visit us..

Posted March 11, 2008

squidboo

I love your lens! I never knew all the *economic* reasons to save old buildings. I'm going to grab your list and share it! Nice job.
-Damian

Posted December 08, 2007

More of my Recommended books from Amazon

The Timeless Way of Building

by Christopher Alexander

Aesthetically, this book is a pleasure. If you're in a hurry, just read the italicized sections. However, I find reading the whole thing to be absolutely necessary. Software Programmers will also find this book incredibly useful.

Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 10/06/2008)

Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice

by Norman Tyler

I was especially pleased to find the variety of real-life examples Tyler presents reflecting the way preservation is practiced and not just idealistic theory. The inclusion of basic economic, social, and architectural impacts in historic preservation are welcome contributions, and the various charts and lists are extremely useful.

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 10/06/2008)

Lost Boston

by Jane Holtz Kay

A visual feast of historical deliciousness. If you're not sure why we need to preserve our past, just thumb through this book. It completely inspires me, every single time I look at it. TONS of black and white photos.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

The Historical Atlas of New York City: A Visual Celebration of Nearly 400 Years of New York City's History (Historical Atlas)

by Eric Homberger

I bought this while waiting at an airport in New York. Boy, what a find! [From --Stephanie Gold]: The atlas takes on the geologic history of New York, major eras (Indian, Dutch, and British), as well as the consolidation of Greater New York, neighborhood histories of Coney Island and Greenwich Village, and exploits of 1945 through 1996. But there's room for the small stuff, too, such as the political and cultural role of New York's taverns in the late 1700s.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

American Shelter: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Home

by Lester R. Walker

Wonderful line drawings of 100 styles of American housing. Exploded diagrams and floor plans, with text describing how each style evolved, and where it tends to be found. For homeowners, builders, architects, real estate agents, students, travelers and historians, American Shelter is an essential reference, but also a treat.

Amazon Price: $21.24 (as of 10/06/2008)

My credentials?
San Jose City Hall, Right before demolition, 1955
Want to help save buildings in your area? Join the National Trust!
Twenty Reasons why Historic Preservation is Smart!
Hot Historic Preservation Pages!
The Ransom Gillis House, Brush Park, Detroit, MI. Demolition by neglect.
My Book Review on Amazon
Welcome History Buffs, Architects, and Building-Huggers of all shapes and sizes!
More of my Recommended books from Amazon
Case Study in Preservation Gone Wrong: Linden Towers, Atherton, California
Linden Towers, Atherton, CA, built by James Claire Flood in the late 1870's
The History of Linden Towers
The Carriage House, with marble halls, hardwood floors, a sky-lit dome and copper roof
The Carriage House, Race Track and Private Lake
Protecting ones property from the cattle drive!
Dark Days in Atherton
Historic Preservation on CafePress
Still More of my Book Recommendations
Historic preservation is SMART - culturally, aesthetically, and economically
Case Study: Historic Rehabilitation in New Jersey
Historic Preservation on eBay
Blog Posts from Google
Netflix Movies
Let's go to Boston, Massachusetts!
Going Green on Flickr
The Amazing Winchester Mystery House
Case Study in Preservation Gone RIGHT!
Amazing Facts!
Yikes! Urban Planning gone wrong!
The Dey House goes the way of the Buffalo....
Cool Preservation Links
Historic Preservation on Flickr
Bookmark us so you can come back later!
Chinatown, Los Angeles ~ A shining example of financially viable preservation

Case Study in Preservation Gone Wrong: Linden Towers, Atherton, California

Courtesy of the Lindenwood Homes Association

James C. Flood, born in New York, was the son of Irish immigrants. As a young man his burning desire for wealth and luxury led him to San Francisco in the gold-crazed days of the early 1850's. After several other ventures, he and Wm. O'Brien opened a saloon in the financial district where they cultivated friendships and sources of information which enabled them to invest wisely. As their fortunes grew, they joined with two mining engineers, James Fair (who built the Fairmont Hotel) and John Mackay in the silver bonanza of the Comstock Lode. Between profits from the mines and other financial manipulations, Flood was able to enjoy an income of over $250,000 a month just four years after his arrival in San Francisco.

Flood could now indulge his desire for splendor and he began building a series of ever grander mansions, culminating in the erection of "Linden Towers" or "Flood's Wedding Cake." His town house in the City is now the Pacific Union Club atop Nob Hill.

Linden Towers, Atherton, CA, built by James Claire Flood in the late 1870's

The History of Linden Towers

Plans for the estate started with purchase of a small tract of land in 1875 for $87 per acre. Total acreage was added to and subtracted from by both Floods but at one time the estate contained over 1000 acres and extended from Middlefield Road well toward the Bay and from Ravenswood Avenue to about a mile beyond Marsh Road.

The elaborate turreted mansion was finished about 1880 and was described as being white and gold with a black tile roof. A white picket fence edged Middlefield Road. During this era the Linden Avenue entrance (with its Gate House and the original picket fence pictured to the right) was the only one into the estate. Rosewood, satinwood, mahogany, velvet and marble decorated the 44 rooms of the mansion. The gardens were extensive and alive with rare and imported trees and plants and white gravel paths interlaced the beautiful grounds.

The Carriage House, with marble halls, hardwood floors, a sky-lit dome and copper roof

The Carriage House, Race Track and Private Lake

A visit to the mansion was a part of the tour of every prominent visitor to San Francisco. Trees planted by Generals Grant and Fremont stand in the yard of one Flood Circle home. Visitors saw a carriage house (pictured above) with marble halls, hardwood floors, a sky-lighted dome and a roof of copper. A turntable in the center helped unite horse and carriage.

There was a man-made lake (probably around the Fair Oaks section of Redwood City) with white sand beaches, fed by a water system which had its origins in a reservoir still to be seen at the end of Fletcher Drive. Other attractions were the gas works and private race track.

Protecting ones property from the cattle drive!

James Claire Flood died in Europe in 1889. The estate passed to his daughter Jennie who in turn gave it to the University of California when it became too expensive to keep. The University could find no use for it and sold it to Jennie's brother, James L., for $300,000.

James L. Flood found the white picket fence a nuisance so he built the nearly mile long brick fence on Middlefield Road with the two entrance gates. Between his new wall and the road was a fence of cable strung from redwood posts which served to protect the wall from cattle being driven south along Middlefield from South San Francisco.

He built a swimming pool near Flood Circle and Juniper Drive, and a garage for 20 cars (Packards, Cadillacs and Rolls Royces) at the corner of Acorn Way and Catalpa. One yard on Flood Circle contains a fountain and a statue from the estate. The reflection pool was on Flood Circle near Juniper Drive.

Dark Days in Atherton

The last standing building is the barn which was moved 100 feet and remodeled into a charming home (pictured at right). The swimming pool area of this home is where the gravel pit which supplied stones for the garden paths was located.

Mr. Flood was generous with his estate. His neighbors were invited to stroll and picnic in the lovely gardens.

"Linden Towers" was torn down in 1936 and the property was subdivided. In 1945 one of the last parcels was sold - 44 home sites were bought for $74,000; the minimum construction price on each house was $10,000.

Lost, and gone forever.

Historic Preservation on CafePress

Historic Preservation Jr. Spaghetti Tank

from Archaeology Store

Price: 19.99

Building Hugger Jr. Jersey T-Shirt

Price: 21.99

Building Hugger Women's Pink T-Shirt

Price: 17.99

Chicago Stock Exchange Mini Poster Print

Price: 6.99

Groovy Recent Past Mini Button