The preservation of historic places then hit the national scene in 1949 when the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation developed a specific set of goals for preservation. The organization’s mission statement claimed that it aimed to protect structures providing leadership and education and that it also wanted to "save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize [its] communities."

Historic preservation then became a part of the curriculum at many universities in the U.S. and the world that taught urban planning. In the U.S., historic preservation became a large component in the planning profession in the 1960s after urban renewal threatened to destroy many of the nation’s most historic places in major cities like Boston, Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland.

DIVISIONS OF HISTORIC PLACES

Within planning, there are three main divisions of historic areas. The first and most important to planning is the historic district. In the United States, this is a group of buildings, properties, and/or other sites that are said to be historically significant and in need of protection/redevelopment. Outside of the U.S., similar places are often called "conservation areas." This is a common term used in Canada, India, New Zealand, and the U.K. to designate places with historical natural features, cultural areas, or animals to be protected.

Historic parks are the second division of areas within historic preservation while historic landscapes are the third.

SIGNIFICANCE IN PLANNING

Historic preservation is important to urban planning because it represents an effort to conserve old building styles. In doing so, it forces planners to identify and work around the protected places. This usually means the insides of buildings are renovated for prestigious office, retail, or residential space, which can result in a competitive downtown as rents are normally high in these areas because they are popular gathering places.

In addition, historic preservation also results in a less homogenized downtown landscape. In many new cities, the skyline is dominated by glass, steel, and concrete skyscrapers. Older cities that have had their historic buildings preserved may have these but they also have the interesting older buildings. For example in Boston, there are new skyscrapers, but the renovated Faneuil Hall shows the importance of the area's history and also serves as a meeting place for the city's population.

This represents a good combination of the new and old but also shows one of the main goals of historic preservation.

CRITICISMS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATIONS

Like many movements in planning and urban design, historic preservation has had a number of criticisms though. The largest is the cost. While it might not be more expensive to renovate old buildings

instead of building new, the historic buildings are often smaller and therefore cannot accommodate as many businesses or people. This raises rents and forces lower income uses to relocate. In addition, critics say the popular style of newer high rise buildings can cause the smaller, old buildings to become dwarfed and undesirable.

Despite these criticisms however, historic preservation has been an important part of urban planning. As such, many cities around the world today were able to retain their historic buildings so future generations can see what cities may have looked like in the past and recognize that time's culture through its architecture.

CITY EXAMPLES

1.) Victoria, Texas USA

Community leaders have recently taken a big step toward restoring and revitalizing Victoria's historic downtown. The city created a Main Street Program, which focuses on beautifying portions of downtown and restoring some of its most historic buildings.

The museums, art galleries and theaters in Victoria are strongly supported. Many historians believe Victoria is the starting point Texas history. The city has more than 100 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Victoria County Courthouse, which faced demolition in 1994. The original courthouse was built in 1892. Throughout the years additions were made, but in 1994 it had fallen into disrepair. The city held a vote to see if citizens were in favor of spending more than $4 million to restore the courthouse. That measure passed with a majority of voters in favor of the restoration.

Victoria Preservation Inc. is leading the call for protection of the city's historic properties. The group has focused its efforts on educating citizens about the benefits of saving old structures and retaining the character of the city, which was founded in 1839.

"This is a very strong property rights state," Dunnam says. "People don't like to be told what they can and can't do with their property, but there are a lot of people who do support historic preservation. We had 83 percent of voters vote for the restoration of the courthouse."

The Junior League of Victoria restored its building, which was constructed in 1895, and Fossati's Delicatessen, located in a structure that dates to 1895, is the oldest deli in the state and one of the oldest restaurants in the country.

Number of Properties on the National Register of Historic Places (including districts): 113

Historic Landmarks: De Leon Plaza (1890), St. Mary's Catholic Church (1904), Fossati's Deli (1895)

2.) Danville, Kentucky USA

Danville's preservation efforts received national attention in 2001, when the National Trust for Historic Preservation presented the town with a Great American Main Street Award. The award honored the work of volunteers and city officials who came together to rehabilitate and beautify parts of downtown. A collective $52 million was spent on renovation and preservation in the 1990s and has paid off with 110 new businesses opening and the creation of more than 300 new jobs.

Among the biggest preservation projects in Danville was the restoration of three historic buildings known as The Hub. These connected buildings were used as a department store from 1914 to 1995. After extensive renovations, the buildings house a coffee shop, bookstore for Centre College and doctors' offices. Main Street has become a vibrant shopping district in Danville, and a change in the city's alcohol law led to the opening of several new restaurants, wine shops and bars.

City ordinances offer protection to buildings in a historic district and one street. There are five residential districts on the National Register of Historic Places.

"We have many people and businesses that have moved here recently," says MaryJo Joseph, chairman of Danville's Historic Committee. "I don't think any of them would have come if we didn't have a healthy downtown. That is what I think draws people here."

Joseph, who is also a real estate agent, says many people want to live in old downtown buildings. She says residents are committed to preserving the historic look the town has. The Heart of Danville, a group formed in 1984, advocates for the protection of historic buildings and maintaining a vibrant central business district. Danville's architecture is primarily in the Victorian style. A popular destination for history lovers is Constitution Square, where there is a mixture of actual historic buildings and replicas. Among the historic buildings is a post office that was built in the 1700s. October 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Perryville Battlefield near Danville.

Number of Properties on the National Register of Historic Places (including districts): 61

Accolades:

• 2001 Great American Main Street, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Historic Landmarks: Constitution Square State Historic Site (1937), Jacobs Hall (1857), McDowell House (1795)

3.) Muskogee, Oklahoma USA

The appetite for historic preservation is growing in Muskogee. Residents know they have a good thing going and are beginning to take more aggressive steps toward protecting the character of their community. While this city was formed as a railroad town in the late 1800s, its roots run much deeper than that. It was the hub for the settlement and development of what became Indian Territory and home to what is known as the Five Civilized Tribes who walked the Trail of Tears. Today, there are a number of museums and cultural attractions in Muskogee that celebrate the city's heritage.

Visitors who truly want to immerse themselves in Muskogee's history might choose to spend the night in the Historic Hayes House. The luxurious house was constructed in the early 1900s and is located near museums and Bacone College.

Among the latest preservation projects in Muskogee is the renovation of a 100-year-old structure in downtown that had become dilapidated. The eight-story building, once one of the tallest buildings in Muskogee, has been turned into apartments for seniors with low- to medium-income levels. Another triumph for preservationists in Muskogee was the rehabilitation of the Severs Block Building, also in downtown. The building was completed in the late 1800s and was damaged in a fire 2006. The city was going to demolish the building, but private investors found support in the preservation community to rebuild the structure.

City ordinances prohibit the demolition of structures in designated historic districts without approval. Local leaders say there is general support for the protection of historic properties. The city itself maintains one of the largest and most beloved properties, Honor Heights Park, which was created in 1909.

"We're just reaching the age as a city where we have to do something to protect our heritage," says Jonita Mullins, executive director of Downtown Muskogee. "Saving these buildings builds community pride and has an economic component to it. Businesses see that you care about your community and that we do care about quality of life. When anyone is looking to relocate they want to see that the community is making efforts to improve the lives of their residents and keep its character."

Number of Structures on the National Register of Historic Places: 24

Accolades:

• Named a Distinctive Destination in 2011 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

• Named a Top 10 Main Street Community by the Oklahoma Main Street Center

Historic Landmarks: Fite Mansion (1905), First Missionary Baptist Church (1903), Fort Gibson (1800s)

4. ) Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo is in the midst of a citywide historic preservation effort. Five neighborhoods are being studied to identify properties that are considered landmarks and develop a history for each area that will ultimately help guide future development by protecting the past.

David Webb, president of a preservation group called Historic Pueblo, says no other city in the country is doing this. Webb says his goal is to place landmark designations, which places certain restrictions on what can be done to the exterior of a property, on half of the historic homes and buildings in the city.

"The first studies were to learn more of the history of the area," Webb says. "One on the Southside explained why things were built and why they were done that way. Ultimately, this will help residents take more pride in areas and make sure their neighborhoods are kept up."

Webb's group focuses as much, if not more, on education efforts as it does actual preservation. Among Historic Pueblo's most popular programs is an annual historic homes tour.

"That way people get the opportunity to see the beautiful structures we have," he says. "They usually get encouraged. It starts to spread. If you see one (historic home) that's fixed up, the next thing you know others are fixing up their homes."

Renovated buildings, pedestrian pathways and the riverwalk have brought many people back to downtown. Residents take great pride in the festivals and cultural attractions in Pueblo. There is also a unique offering of restaurants and food choices in Pueblo.

Number of Properties on the National Register of Historic Places (including districts): 57

Historic Landmarks: Pueblo County Courthouse (1912), Union Avenue Historic District (1800s), Quaker Flour Mill (1869)

5.) Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, SC, has set the standard for historic preservation. In 1931, it became the first city in the country to establish a board of architectural

review. Charleston also has the oldest community-based historic preservation group – The Preservation Society of Charleston.

There is an unparalleled collection of historic buildings in Charleston, reflecting architectural styles of the Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian eras. Nicknamed the Holy City, Charleston has a large number of churches with steeples that dot the city's skyline. There are a number of Civil War sites in Charleston as well. The pleasing aesthetics of Charleston make it a huge draw for tourists, which provides a big boost to the local economy.

Each year, The Preservation Society of Charleston chooses seven sites representing seven broad issues to focus on as part of a campaign called Seven to Save. Activities during the campaign can include adaptive use plans, installation of historic markers, public awareness, fundraising, development of protective ordinances and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.

"I think historic preservation is relevant in the 21st century because our goal is to maintain our historic properties. They tell us so much about who we were and where we've come from," says Robert Gurley, assistant director of the preservation group. "A lot of the historic district is a testament to our passion for our unique architectural heritage."

Number of Properties on the National Register of Historic Places (including districts): 97

Accolades:

• Top U.S. City, Conde Nast Traveler 2011 Readers Choice Awards

• No. 2 City in the World, Travel + Leisure

• No. 4 City for Culture and Sightseeing, Trip Advisor

• Favorite Southern City, Southern Living

Historic Landmarks: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue (1840), St. Phillip's Episcopal Church (1836), Rainbow Row (1800s), Aiken Rhett House (1818)