Neighborhood Preservation: Restoring, Rebuilding and Engaging our Communities in 2025

NPC Newsletter January 17, 2025

Watching the Los Angeles fires roar, we reflect humbly on the utter crippling impact of natural disasters. Reacting to a need for immediate life-saving actions removes us diametrically away from theoretical discussions on addressing neighborhood issues marked by years of historic trends.

Above image from ABC7NY, January 14, 2025

While entire neighborhoods can be demolished instantly by fire, flood, or extreme wind, the fundamental conversations about the essence of neighborhood preservation remain the same: creating dynamic and responsive third spaces, community engagement projects, and preserving essential fabric of our build environment.

We look to further our conversations in these areas in the year ahead: Centering the 'Third Space' in Transforming Neighborhoods

Initially coined by the sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 2014, the term "third spaces" refers to locations that have taken on an essential role in preserving the sociability of neighborhoods, particularly when they face disinvestment or displacement caused by socioeconomic transitions. Third spaces, such as libraries, parks, plazas, and more, have historically provided the most accessible platform for communities to engage in collective organizing and action that protect long-term residents. A previous NPC conversation with Shamichael Hallman showcased just how vibrant libraries can be in offering programs connecting residents with a sense of neighborhood identity and belonging.

Resilience and Rebirth

Revitalizing historic buildings is often central in the fight to preserve the identity of a neighborhood. One example is the Tecumseh Theater in Shawnee, Ohio, a local building purchased by a resident for $500 after an impromptu meeting at the local diner. However, there was no definitive preservation plan for the derelict theater. As a result, the community unified behind its revitalization. This story connects third places - the diner in Shawnee where residents gathered informally, organizing, socializing, and nurturing community identities - with larger projects that invest in the physical fabric of neighborhoods.

Healthy Streets, Healthy Neighborhoods, and Climate Resilience in 2025

Connecting climate mitigation efforts with community preservation, neighborhoods in New York City are actively introducing more trees and other plants into urban areas to combat the heat island effect and to provide buffer zones for flooding. Additionally, initiatives that enhance the city's open space networks create safer streets and open spaces for residents. In 2023, we hosted a panel of local leaders in open street planning. Panelist Georgia Faulkner, Senior Director of Partnerships at the New York Horticultural Society, spoke about the value of connecting people with plants, specifically using open street program to green spaces to traditional urban communities.  We hope that you will join us- NPC

Have a question or idea about your neighborhood preservation project?

Share your thoughts, suggestions, or resources by emailing us at:

info@nycnpc.org

NPC Newsletter Contributors

L. Danielle Cylich: NPC Board Member, Danielle chairs the Program Committee and is always ready to share enthusiasm about the rich history and beauty found in the built environment and in protecting our natural resources.

Shannen Smiley: An early-career professional, Shannen's work has been motivated by the intersections of social justice and heritage, with a particular interest in broadening the accessibility of preservation tools. 

The Neighborhood Preservation Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and enabling conversations about the need for community space - both physical and virtual - in order to improve the urban environment and quality of life.

We work to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between like-minded groups in the livable cities sector, share resources and champion neighborhoods.