The Neighborhood Preservation Program

The Preservation Alliance's Neighborhood Preservation Program was launched in 2005 with support from the William Penn Foundation.  The focus of the effort is to develop new relationships, or to strengthen existing collaborations with Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, by providing expanded services to neighborhood organizations, and increased outreach to Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods. The effort includes education, training, information, ongoing technical assistance, printed and electronic information, and tools for neighborhood preservation. 

A key component of the program are the Community Organization Workshops where leaders of neighborhood organizations, community development corporations and institutions, are convened to learn about a variety of approaches and resources that have been utilized successfully to preserve community character and integrate historic preservation with community development.  The workshops are designed to draw upon a representative mix of older neighborhoods, ranging from those with established historic districts to those that have not previously incorporated preservation as a part of their mission. Other components of the programs are a series of Homeowner Workshops and the Old House Fair.

A goal of the Community Organization Workshops is to discuss and encourage the development of new locally designated historic districts and conservation districts as a means of protecting and preserving the character Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.  Equally important is the opportunity for the Alliance to learn directly from grassroots community leaders about the interests and needs within the neighborhoods.

Participating organizations receive a copy of the Resource Guide for Community Leaders that includes information on a broad variety of topics including approaches for preserving community character, creating historic districts and conservation districts, economic incentives for preservation, and other critical resources.

One important goal of the Neighborhoods Program is to encourage the creation of new locally designated historic districts and conservation districts. In conjunction with this effort, the Alliance has introduced a new model for Local Historic Districts that utilizes new technology, including GIS mapping and digital photography.  Since the introduction of the program, the Alliance has completed surveys and submitted nominations to the Philadelphia Historical Commission for Parkside (9.6MB PDF) and Awbury Arboretum (11.2MB PDF). Additional pilot districts for this new model will be determined by working closely with neighborhood and city leaders.

For additional information, please contact Patrick Hauck, Director of Neighborhood Preservation Programs at 215-546-1146 x 4, or at patrick@preservationalliance.com

 

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