Over the course of his nearly 30-year career, Ricardo Noguera has served several cities and counties in the states of Florida, California, and Washington. Before assuming his current role in California business development, Ricardo Noguera acted as the community and economic development director of Tacoma, Washington, where his duties included preservation of the city’s historical buildings.
Though much attention is given to new real estate developments erected in community revitalization projects, the preservation of a city’s historical buildings is equally important. Here are three reasons that historical preservation is a valuable tool in community development:
1. Historical buildings add to a community’s identity. Many cities are struggling to maintain the long-held cultural values that make them unique. Historical preservation of buildings can help communities remember and build on their culture, which leads to healthier, more vibrant communities.
2. The restoration of historical buildings can yield economic returns. Preserving and restoring existing buildings is often less expensive than demolishing them and starting from scratch. Historical buildings can also be useful in restoring community pride in crumbling neighborhoods. Historical buildings add character and attract tourists, which boosts local businesses.
3. Certain types of businesses often flourish in historical buildings. While big-box retailers are best served by large, new properties, many small businesses, such as bookstores, art galleries, and pubs, perform better when they are within historical storefronts.
