| Abstract: | Revitalization is not only good for the historic preservation of a town's architecture, it is also a salable commodity. A central business district that has been restored with a sense of continuity and faithfulness to the past can be used as a tool to with retailers and restaurants it is assumed that people will begin to frequent the shops, attract businesses looking for a small town to locate in. As the downtown area fills on a regular basis. The layout of most downtowns dictates walking from one place to the next. The chance of seeing someone familiar and stopping to visit is increased. Social interaction in a manner that promotes commerce in this leisurely fashion becomes an enjoyable experience. This can be promoted to attract tourists from urban areas. Economic development in a non-threatening way can be accomplished in this manner. Nothing of the culture and tradition of the town is lost; the downtown is maintained, and the chance for historic preservation to gain popularity throughout the town becomes more feasible and attractive. This paper is an examination of what revitalization is attempting to accomplish and how goals are reached successfully. Questions are raised on how communities define success. The common elements determining the difference between success and failure for downtown restoration projects are identified. |
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