Expert: New Orleans Undervalues Historic Properties

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Donovan Rypkema says a general rule for a community planning to preserve its historic architecture is to count the years back to its oldest public building. In New Orleans, it would be the late 1700s, so he said planners should be looking to what the city will look like 200 years from now.
He says the city has a unique blend of historic homes.
Rypkema said at a Preservation Resource Center event this week that city leaders must be convinced that preserving historic buildings isn't just for beauty; it's good business.