Study finds historic district preservation does not hinder development or housing availability.

For years, preservationists in Philadelphia have faced opposition from neighborhood groups that argue historic designations restrict development and limit the housing supply. Some factions have even gone so far as to file petitions against the establishment of new historic districts, asserting that such measures hinder urban growth. However, recent research commissioned by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia from PlaceEconomics provides compelling data to challenge these long-held perceptions.

Currently, approximately 5% of Philadelphia’s land and 4.4% of its buildings are recognized on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, a notable increase from just 2.2% in 2016. This rise in designations indicates a shift in the city’s approach to historic preservation, driven in part by resident advocacy and enhanced preservation efforts initiated during Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration, including the formation of a Historic Preservation Task Force.

The new report reveals significant findings that counter the prevalent narrative suggesting that preservation impedes housing supply and reduces density. In fact, the data indicates that areas designated as historic experience a population density 34% higher than other neighborhoods. Moreover, housing units in these areas have grown by 26% over the past decade, a rate nearly three times that of the citywide average.

The study also highlights that historic neighborhoods are becoming more racially and economically diverse, with increases in nonwhite homeownership outpacing the city average. This trend is a clear indication that preserving older housing stock can facilitate access to opportunities rather than restrict them. Furthermore, the findings align with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s H.O.M.E initiative, which aims to provide new affordable housing opportunities, particularly benefiting Black and Hispanic communities.

Beyond numerical evaluations, the inherent value of historic neighborhoods lies in their architectural beauty, character, and sense of community. These neighborhoods were generally constructed before the rise of automobile-oriented city planning, resulting in more compact, walkable areas rich in architectural variety. Their combination of rowhouses, corner stores, and small apartment structures fosters the vibrancy and density often missing from more modern developments.

The character of historic districts attracts housing developers looking to create new residential projects, whether on vacant lots or on properties designated as “noncontributing,” which can be removed under the regulations of the Historical Commission. New constructions within these historic districts are held to stringent review processes to ensure they complement the character of the surrounding environment.

Moreover, the preservation of historic sites contributes significantly to local economic vitality. Philadelphia stands out as a leader in historic tax credit projects, which have generated an estimated 2,500 jobs and added approximately 1 million in annual labor income since 2010. This data underscores that preservation serves not only a cultural mission but also bolsters economic development.

In summary, historic districts in Philadelphia are dynamic neighborhoods that accommodate both new residents and housing developments. The findings from this recent study challenge the prevailing beliefs about preservation’s impact, suggesting that the integration of historic and modern living can coexist beneficially, fostering a richer, more diverse urban landscape.