ABSTRACT
Planning involves the resolution of conflicting claims on the use of land. This is particularly clear in the case of historic preservation since the nature of the conflict is so readily apparent. Typically, one party (often more than one) wants to preserve a historic structure for public enjoyment now and in the future. The other party (often one only) wants to use the site for a new use which produces a higher profit. The traditionalists use the language of culture and history; the redevelopers speak in terms of market trends and economic returns. In the last century, the controversy was normally between public and private interests. This changed as it became evident that history could be molded to produce profits and (what amounts to the same thing) a good public image. For example, there was capital to be made out of a company’s environmental concerns if these were manifest in the preservation of an historic building for modern use. Further profits were to be realizable from tourist attractions. And, above all, changes in tax provisions transformed the attitudes of landowners and developers to preservation.
