Keeping The Old May Be Cheaper
Author says preserving buildings makes economic sense
By Joe Catalano
Opponents of proposals to save historic homes and commercial buildings argue that preserving old structures costs more than building new ones. However, the author of a new book contends that the reverse is true.
"The Economics of Historical Preservation: A Community Leader's Guide" by Donovan D. Rypkema, a real estate consultant, presents 100 arguments that preservation makes economical sense. The 132-page paperback is published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns and operates 18 historic house museums across the country. The non-profit organization was chartered by Congress in 1949.
Supporters of plans to save old residences or commercial buildings should cite more than just aesthetic and historical reasons, said Richard Moe, National Trust President. Proponents need to make sound economic arguments. "This guide will enable citizens to persuade elected officials that historical preservation is not only fiscally responsible, but is an essential component of thriving communities," he said.
Some economic arguments include:
- Nearly all back-to-the-city revitalization movements have been initiated by people moving into historic districts seeking houses with character. As homes are renovated, businesses and investment dollars follow.
- Preserving existing buildings helps to prevent suburban sprawl and reduces the need for new roads and sewers.
- Preserving buildings creates jobs. The revitalization of 356 buildings in Philadelphia from 1978 to 1985 created 8,640 construction jobs.
- Preserved buildings attract tourists.
- Because rents are often cheaper than in new buildings, businesses that move into historic buildings,may have more money to hire employees and expand.
The book costs $20 plus $5 postage and handling. Write to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036, or call (202) 673-4286.
Homeowners with a computer and access to the Internet have a new source for free home repair advice.
Starting this month, homeowners can send home repair questions via computer to Garden State Brickface, Windows and Exteriors, a Roselle, N.J. masonry contracting company hat has an address on the Internet. Once of the firm's repair experts will reply electronically. To receive an answer, the homeowner needs an Internet address or access to a national on-line service such as Prodigy, America Online, CompuServe or Delphi.
David Moore, President of Garden State, claims that his business is the first remodeling company in the United States to acquire an Internet address. Garden State's email address is gsbrickface@email.msn.com.
A nonprofit community revitalization group has opened a new office in Elmhurst, Queens.
It's the eighth New York City office for Neighborhood Housing Services, which began 20 years ago. The new office at 80-50 Baxter Avenue will serve Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona.
Services include home improvement counseling and arranging financing at below-market interest rates for residents unable to qualify for improvement loans from conventional lenders. The group also offers prospective buyers pre-purchase counseling and access to mortgages.
The new office will receive an annual operating fund of $250,000 for five years from 15 local banks the group works with. | 
