Stuff You Should Know Selects: How Historic Districts Work
Jul 10, 2021
Discover the captivating world of historic districts, where charm meets controversy. Learn how these protected areas both preserve history and contribute to the housing crisis. Explore anecdotes from cities like Charleston and New Orleans, and navigate the balance between community identity and individual rights. Delve into the tension between gentrification and preservation, and hear the inspiring story of Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theater, saved by community passion. It's a journey through time, architecture, and the complexities of urban life.
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Charleston's First Historic District
- Charleston, South Carolina, established the first historic district in 1931.
- This pioneering move aimed to protect the city's architecturally significant structures and quaint neighborhoods.
The Purpose of Historic Districts
- Historic districts preserve areas deemed significant, adding legal protection.
- A board oversees these protections, requiring approvals for exterior alterations.
Highway Construction and Preservation
- Urban renewal and highway construction spurred historic preservation efforts in the 1950s.
- Concerns over demolition led to protecting historically significant areas.