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Historic Preservation and Housing: Propaganda Vs Reality
By Bruce Coons
September/October 2024
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CityFront Terrace Soap Factory loft. Courtesy Agents of Architecture |
In politics, a good, simple story sells. The housing crisis has fueled a persistent myth among YIMBYs—that preservationists are a major obstacle to solving this pressing issue. This narrative is appealing in its simplicity, but it obscures the complex realities and nuanced role of historic preservation in our communities.
This myth persists because many YIMBYs think that well-intentioned but misguided preservationists are blocking progress.
The "preservationists as villains" trope is emotionally satisfying for many because it provides a distinct culprit for the soaring home prices and rental scarcity we face today. But this portrayal is false. It completely overlooks the multifaceted nature of the housing crisis as well as the cultural, social, and economic value that preservation efforts bring to our neighborhoods.
Preservationists do not obstruct housing development. Rather, we seek to balance new construction with the protection of our cultural heritage—a goal that benefits everyone in all communities in both the short and long run. By maintaining the architectural character and history of neighborhoods, we enhance livability and property values, creating spaces and places that people want to call home.
SOHO makes it a priority to collaborate with developers to ensure that new projects respect the historical and cultural fabric of the surrounding area, thereby fostering a sense of place and continuity. This approach does not preclude growth; instead, it promotes sustainable, thoughtful development that fulfills both housing needs and the important preservation of our unique architectural and cultural assets.
We all can agree that the underlying causes of the housing crisis are complex. Preservationists advocate for policies that address the root causes while also protecting our collective cultural heritage. These policies can and should be mutually reinforcing. A balanced perspective can lead to more sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Historic preservation is not the enemy of housing affordability. In fact, it helps preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), which is a crucial component of balanced, sustainable development. By debunking the false myth that preservationists are a primary obstacle to solving the housing crisis, we can focus instead on effective, inclusive policies that target the problem's real causes and promote vibrant, livable communities that celebrate our shared history and culture.
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