Category: Economic Development (Page 5 of 5)

Mt. Carmel Borough, Northumberland County. Photo by Dave Maher.

Preservation in a Changing Economic Climate

January 21, 2015 / Pamela Reilly / 5 Comments

Many of Pennsylvania’s communities face the challenging task of adapting to a vastly different economic climate than the one that led to their historic growth and development. This new economic reality of dramatically reduced population, deindustrialization and loss of tax base has resulted in historic downtowns and residential neighborhoods pockmarked by disinvestment and vacant properties. Abandoned, demolished or marginally repurposed historic churches, schools and factories are especially vivid reminders of changing times and the large social and economic forces at work. Continue reading

Not Your Momma’s Historic Preservation

November 6, 2013 / Pamela Reilly / 1 Comment

As an architectural historian and preservationist I have been trained to think about historic buildings and neighborhoods in a fairly focused way. Changes to old buildings should be sympathetic to the structure’s original design and be appropriate in terms in size, scale, materials and decorative details. Continue reading

Historic Preservation and Outdoor Recreation: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

October 16, 2013 / Bill Callahan / 0 Comments

There is great societal and cultural value in the preservation of our built heritage; of our historic communities and buildings. Most people understand the cultural value of preserving our history as it is illustrated by historic places. The need to experience our shared history seems to reflect a fundamental aspect of who we are as Pennsylvanians and Americans. Continue reading

Resolving to Endorse: Getting Municipalities On-Board With Historic Preservation

August 28, 2013 / Guest Contributor / 15 Comments

The Bureau for Historic Preservation (BHP) unveiled Pennsylvania’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan last year. In an effort to assist County Planning Directors and Certified Local Governments to become familiar with the Plan, BHP recently sent a request for our local government partners to endorse the plan. Continue reading

Local Landmarks For Sale: National Guard Armories

June 26, 2013 / Ann Safley / 0 Comments

There is an armory in almost every county in Pennsylvania. Some counties have two or three. They are one of the most historically significant and, in most cases, architecturally distinctive buildings in the communities lucky enough to host one. The National Guard in Pennsylvania has a long history of military and civic service and the armories are the physical expression of that history. The Department of General Services is offering eleven of these historic armories for sale. This is the perfect opportunity to adaptively reuse these buildings and retain an important landmark in your community. Continue reading

Yes Pennsylvania, there is a National Defense Transportation Day!

May 22, 2013 / Scott Doyle / 0 Comments

My blog post for May 22, 2013 will continue BHP’s recognition of one of America’s under-appreciated events – National Defense Transportation Day – celebrated on Friday May 17, 2013 in conjunction with National Transportation Week. Continue reading

PHMC Executive Director Jim Vaughan and Teresa Mandic, Vice President of Programs, Pearl S. Buck International at the Keystone Awards Ceremony. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Crawford, Preservation Pennsylvania.

Keystone Fund Projects Receive Awards

March 27, 2013 / Cory Kegerise / 1 Comment

Since its creation in 1993, the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund has supported thousands of projects in countless Pennsylvania communities, including more than 500 historic preservation projects. So, on March 18, 2013, on the occasion of the Fund’s 20^th Anniversary, the Keystone Partners took a moment to pause and reflect on the Keystone Fund’s impact and honor some of its success stories. Gathered under the dome of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building representatives from several nonprofit fund partners, current and former state legislators, and agency directors presented awards to projects from across the Commonwealth that exemplify the intent and impact of the Keystone Fund. Continue reading

A Refocus on Preservation in Pittsburgh

February 13, 2013 / Guest Contributor / 0 Comments

Anne E. Nelson

Historic preservation in Pittsburgh has had a productive past few months. Activity in downtown Pittsburgh is blossoming due to the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of several historic buildings by developers using historic preservation tax incentives. The boundaries of a locally designated historic district were recommended for expansion by the City of Pittsburgh’s (City) Historic Review and Planning Commissions to the City Council. The City issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) to undertake an economic study of the financial and social impacts of preservation. In addition, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is recommending to the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places a new historic district, as well as boundary expansions and updated inventories for four existing National Register districts in downtown Pittsburgh.

Sharing What Pennsylvanians Love About Pennsylvania!

January 2, 2013 / Jean Cutler / 0 Comments

Dale Engle Walker House Buffalo Township Union County

As the Commonwealth’s State Historic Preservation Office, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Bureau for Historic Preservation (BHP) is responsible for partnering with all the citizens of Pennsylvania to advocate for the protection of the Commonwealth’s natural and cultural heritage. To do this, the Bureau for Historic Preservation (BHP) develops a statewide strategic plan every five years that lays out goals and actions steps that will guide our priorities over the next five years. It’s a big job to develop and implement this plan, because, as you know, Pennsylvania is a very big and historic place. To preserve and protect our important history, we need everyone to pitch in. And, this is why I’m sending you this inaugural message about BHP’s latest effort to improve our communication with all of you! I’m hoping that you will be receptive to our messages and that we will hear back from you!