Quote:
Originally Posted by vid
Once you start to see buildings from an era, which are generally considered "ugly", reach the point where they need major, expensive overhauls, and face systemic demolition, then they become "historic" and worth protecting.
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That's an intriguing way to look at it. Historic designation often qualifies a building for a tax credit, which would assist in financing the major, expensive overhaul. In this light, it's actually counter-intuitive for building owners to oppose preservation, since it's in their best interests.
The reality is that most building owners believe a truly new building can generate much higher revenues than a refurbished International Style building. Even if they are aware of the revival of 50s/60s modernism in certain circles, it remains a small niche market of hipsters and Mad Men fans. (
Man, that show has earned a place as a seminal work of American television).