Historic resource surveys are systematic assessments designed to identify, evaluate, and document historical properties and resources within a specific area. These surveys play a crucial role in the preservation of cultural heritage, helping planners and policymakers understand the historical significance of buildings, sites, and landscapes as they make decisions about urban development and revitalization efforts.
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Historic resource surveys can vary in scale, from local neighborhoods to statewide evaluations, depending on the goals of the survey.
These surveys often involve collaboration between historians, architects, urban planners, and local communities to gather comprehensive data.
The information collected during a survey is used to create inventories of historic resources, which can inform zoning laws and development guidelines.
Historic resource surveys can help identify sites eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, which can unlock funding for preservation efforts.
Effective surveys not only document existing resources but also assess their condition and recommend actions for preservation or rehabilitation.
Review Questions
How do historic resource surveys influence urban planning decisions in a community?
Historic resource surveys provide essential data that helps urban planners make informed decisions about development projects. By identifying significant historical properties, these surveys allow planners to weigh the cultural value of existing structures against new construction. This balance is crucial for maintaining a community's character while accommodating growth, ensuring that historically important sites are preserved amid urban change.
Discuss the methodology used in conducting a historic resource survey and its importance in preserving cultural heritage.
The methodology for conducting a historic resource survey typically includes steps such as fieldwork to identify resources, documentation of architectural features, and historical research to assess significance. This thorough approach is vital because it ensures that all aspects of a community's history are considered, allowing for a more comprehensive preservation plan. By understanding the context and condition of historical properties, stakeholders can prioritize resources for preservation effectively.
Evaluate the long-term implications of neglecting historic resource surveys on urban development and community identity.
Neglecting historic resource surveys can lead to uninformed urban development that disregards the cultural significance of existing structures. This oversight may result in the loss of unique architectural heritage and diminish community identity over time. Without proper documentation and evaluation of historic resources, planners may inadvertently encourage homogeneous development patterns that erase local character, ultimately affecting residents' sense of place and belonging within their own neighborhoods.
Related terms
Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations.
Preservation Planning: The process of creating strategies and actions to protect, maintain, and enhance historic resources while accommodating community needs.
National Register of Historic Places: A federal program that recognizes and protects significant historic properties in the United States, which can be identified through historic resource surveys.