Historic McKnight, Springfield: Revitalization Techniques
Michael Arnold
I. Introduction p. 3
a. Statement of Purpose p. 4
b. Goals and Objectives p. 4
c. Locus p. 5-7
d. Community Profile p. 8
e. Literature Review p. 9-29
II. Data Methodology p. 30
a. Data Collected p. 30
b. Collection Methods p. 30
III. Recommendations p.30
IV. Bibliography p.31
Introduction Across the country, especially along the east coast, and namely in the northeast where the oldest neighborhoods are, there are neighborhoods rich in history. Some of these neighborhoods have deteriorated over time, and some have maintained. Within historical districts, the need for revitalization is an important one. Revitalizing our historic hometowns and Main Streets is not about nostalgia. It is about reinvesting in our older and historic neighborhoods. A survey of participants at the 1991 national conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation revealed that 76 percent believed "historic preservation must be integrated with planning and growth management"(Baer, 3). Preservation-based community development not only protects our heritage, but also is a viable alternative to sprawl that creates affordable housing, generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increases civic participation, and bolsters a community’s sense of place (National Trust for Historic Preservation). When I had to think about what to do for my senior seminar capstone project I figured out that I didn’t have to look as far as my back yard, literally. Behind my house there is an empty parcel of land that has been there for years. I began to wonder why? It turns out the site plans for the structure (house) provided didn’t follow the character of the neighborhood, so it was denied. If not for that empty lot, I wouldn’t have thought about the whole Historic McKnight District in which I lived.
Statement of Purpose
Observing Historic McKnight I wanted to research possible techniques in revitalizing, and preserving this district. How would it be possible to revitalize a district like this? What are some methods? What would it take? And how might it be accomplished? Through gathering information from city officials, case studies, official documents, websites, etc. some of these questions were answered. Grants, private funding, non-profit organizations, and tax credits or tax incentives are just some of the ways historic neighborhood revitalization can be accomplished. These tools for revitalization help protect our cultural history.
Goals and Objectives
Revitalization is important in historic neighborhoods. It gives its residents a chance to display their civic pride and participation, promotes the preservation of historic resources, it’s an alternative to sprawl, practices good smart growth techniques, can generate jobs, supports local economy, heightens a community’s sense of place, and last but not least emphasizes our community’s historic importance. Further research on revitalization within historic neighborhoods can lead us to greater community development within those neighborhoods.
Locus
Springfield, Mass.
Springfield is located in Southwestern Massachusetts, bordered by Agawam and West Springfield on the west, Chicopee and Ludlow on the north, Wilbraham on the east, and Longmeadow and East Longmeadow on the south. Springfield is 89 miles southwest of Boston; 25 miles from Hartford, Connecticut; and 134 miles from New York City. Settled in 1636, Springfield has several historic and distinct neighborhoods, which earned it the nickname of the "City of Homes". Springfield is also known as the "City of Firsts". The First gasoline powered automobile was built in Springfield by J. Frank and Charles E. Duryea in 1891. Springfield is the birthplace of basketball. The Basketball Hall of Fame
