Heritage Covenants Preservation

Urban planners, government officials, and preservation activists are increasingly at odds as every day more and more heritage buildings are threatened with destruction to make way for urban development and revitalization. Stakeholders in these often emotionally and politically charged debates have arrived at what is potentially a solution that can satisfy all parties in the equation. Heritage covenants are a complex legal instrument involving the sale or donation of a heritage interest to a not-for-profit organization or government agency. In an unprecedented initiative, the Calgary Civic Trust, in the year 2000, brought together experts and leaders in heritage covenants from Canada, Great Britain, and the United States to discuss the future of this unique preservation instrument. This book is a result of the proceedings and focuses specifically on this sophisticated aspect of heritage preservation.

"Examines the case for introducing 'conservation covenants' into the law of England and Wales, and considers how a scheme of conservation covenants might be framed. A conservation covenant is a private agreement made by a landowner, for the purposes of conservation"--Page iii.

What does it take to save endangered historic properties? This practical guide builds on decades of historic preservation experience to provide readers with legal, financial, political, and technical tools and strategies to be more effective preservationists. Myrick Howard makes clear that large sums of money are not necessarily needed to save endangered historic properties, but knowledge and passion are essential. This book shows how preservation-minded neighbors and organizations can succeed with only modest resources and rather than clash with developers, can become developers themselves for community benefit. Howard draws on case studies from forty-five years of successful work leading Preservation North Carolina, with lessons that are applicable coast to coast. This richly illustrated, fully revised and redesigned second edition includes detailed projects to renovate vacant houses in working-class neighborhoods; reflections on addressing racial equity through preservation; an expanded section on using preservation easements; and summaries of revolving fund programs around the country. Buying Time for Heritage is an indispensable resource for those looking to save the special places of our collective past.

Heritage Planning: Principles and Process provides a comprehensive overview of heritage planning as an area of professional practice. The book first addresses the context and principles of heritage planning, including land-use law, planning practice, and international heritage doctrine, all set within the framework of larger societal issues such as sustainability and ethics. The book then takes readers through the pragmatic processes of heritage practice including collecting data, identifying community opinion, determining heritage significance, the best practices and methods of creating a conservation plan, and managing change. Heritage Planning recognizes changing approaches to heritage conservation, particularly the shift from the conservation of physical fabric to the present emphasis on retaining values, associations and stories that historic places hold for their communities. The transition has affected the practice of heritage planning and is important for those in the field. It is essential reading for both professionals that manage change within the built environment and students of heritage conservation and historic preservation.