Why Preservation Matters

Historic preservation strengthens communities, supports local economies, and protects the environment. A 2012 study conducted in Columbia, Missouri, demonstrated the powerful benefits of preservation for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability.

Over the decade studied, rehabilitation of historic buildings through tax credit programs generated:

  • $90 million in private investment

  • 5,000 jobs created

  • $200 million in total economic activity

Heritage tourism also proved a strong economic driver—supporting 120 jobs annually, $2.8 million in direct spending, and $3.3 million in household earnings each year.

Since 2001, property values of rehabilitated downtown buildings increased by 117%, more than double other areas, and tax revenue rose by 104%.

Preservation remains one of the most sustainable forms of development. Studies show new construction uses 15–30 times more energy than operating existing buildings—making restoration both an economic and environmental investment in the future.

Development Strategies. (2012). Economic impact of historic preservation in Columbia, Missouri (Report prepared for City of Columbia Historic Preservation Commission). City of Columbia. Retrieved from https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20120801_Economic-impact-of-historic-preservation-report_CMD.pdf

PRESERVATION CREATES

  • Identity & Place

    Historic buildings tell the story of who we are. They give communities a sense of identity, continuity, and belonging that can’t be replicated by new construction.

  • Sustainability & Stewardship

    Preserving what already exists is the ultimate form of recycling. It saves energy, reduces waste, and honors the craftsmanship and materials of earlier generations- much of what we cannot reproduce today.

  • Economic Vitality

    Preservation revitalizes neighborhoods, supports local trades, boosts property values, and attracts heritage tourism — turning history into a living economic asset.

  • Education & Inspiration

    Historic places are tangible lessons in architecture, culture, and innovation. They inspire creativity and help future generations understand the value of what came before.

GET INVOLVED

THE STATS

  • Preservation is one of the most sustainable forms of development. Studies show that constructing a new building uses 15–30 times more energy than operating an existing one. Reusing historic structures conserves “embodied energy”—the resources already invested in the materials, fabrication, and craftsmanship of older buildings.

    “The greenest building is the one that’s already built.”
    — Carl Elefante, FAIA

    By extending the lifespan of existing structures, preservation reduces construction waste, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures durable craftsmanship continues to serve future generations.

  • Historic preservation drives local investment, job creation, and sustainable development. A 2012 study by the City of Columbia found that rehabilitation projects supported through historic tax credits produced:

    • $90 million in private investment

    • 5,000 jobs created through construction and related industries

    • $200 million in total economic activity across the city

    Heritage tourism adds even more value—supporting 120 jobs annually, generating $2.8 million in direct spending, and creating $3.3 million in household earnings each year.
    (City of Columbia, Economic Impact of Historic Preservation, 2012)

    “Historic preservation isn’t a cost—it’s an investment that keeps money local, supports skilled labor, and strengthens community identity.”

  • Neighborhoods with preserved historic character consistently outperform those without.

    • In Columbia’s downtown historic districts, property values of rehabilitated buildings rose by 117%—more than double the rate in other areas.

    • Tax revenue from these properties increased by 104% over a decade.

    These trends are seen nationwide: preservation stabilizes neighborhoods, encourages reinvestment, and makes communities more desirable places to live and work.

  • Historic structures were built to endure—using dense, old-growth lumber, locally quarried stone, and hand-crafted details that are now rare or impossible to replace affordably.

    • Today, reproducing historic materials or features can cost up to twice as much as using modern substitutes.

    • Skilled labor makes up roughly 60% of total cost in preservation work (vs 55% in new builds) because of the specialized craftsmanship required.
      (MGAC, Cost Drivers of Historic Adaptive Reuse Projects)

    Once these original materials are lost, they can’t truly be replicated—only imitated at great expense. Protecting existing craftsmanship is both an economic and cultural responsibility.

  • When historic buildings are demolished, communities don’t just lose architecture—they lose identity, skilled labor opportunities, and valuable, sustainable assets. Preservation isn’t a roadblock to progress; it’s a smarter, longer-lasting path forward that keeps our city’s heritage alive while fostering economic growth and environmental responsibility.

    “Preservation connects the past with the present—ensuring what we build today will still matter tomorrow.”

BECOME A SPONSOR