COURSE SYLLABUS – UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
(Rev. 2-18-14)
UPP 594 – Topics in Urban Planning & Policy:
Introduction to Historic Preservation Planning
Semester:
Spring 2014
Location:
Stevenson Hall, Room 220
701 S. Morgan St., Chicago
Day/Time:
Wednesdays, 6 – 8:45 p.m.
Instructor:
Jim Peters, AICP
jepeters@uic.edu or peters.e.james@gmail.com
Office hours by appointment
This class will expose you to the theory and practice of historic preservation—with issues
ranging from philosophical to regulatory and from historical to current. Through lectures,
readings, discussions, field trips, and guest lectures, you will gain a greater understanding
of what comprises the field of historic preservation planning.
The principal textbook will be A Richer Heritage: Historic Preservation in the 21st Century;
Robert E. Stipe, ed. (Univ. of North Carolina, 2003; paperback). It is available at the UIC
bookstore and online. The text will be augmented by readings and documents that will be
available from the course Blackboard site and other links.
Your final evaluation (grade) will be made on the basis of: participation in class discussions
(10%)*, an oral presentation of a public meeting (15%), written assignments/quizzes
(50%), and a take-home final exam (25%). The syllabus, assignments, lectures, and
readings will be posted on the course Blackboard site, as possible.
More than two unexcused absences will reduce your grade for the course by an entire
letter. As a courtesy to the guest speakers, students are expected to be on time. Excessive
late arrivals may be counted as absences.
(*The assigned readings are a critical component of the class. Individuals may be assigned,
on a random basis, as needed, to lead in-class discussion concerning the readings.)
Learning Objectives
 Understanding the historical context for the preservation movement
 Gaining a knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory preservation mechanisms
 Learning how local preservation commissions work, including design review
 Gaining a knowledge of various economic incentives and adaptive use solutions
 Understanding the problem-solving role of preservation planning techniques
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Learning how nonprofit organizations successfully function as advocacy groups
Gaining exposure to a broad range of professionals, including city planners, who
work in the field of historic preservation
Learning Outcomes
 Two dozen lectures on key topics of preservation planning
 Readings from main textbook and other sources related to each lecture
 At least two field tours of adaptive reuse projects, preservation planning issues, and
historic districts
 At least three written assignments, written in a professional memo format, on
current advocacy and preservation planning issues
 Guest lectures by eight preservation professionals, including developers,
consultants, nonprofit leaders, and public-sector staff members
 Attendance at a local preservation commission meeting and an in-class presentation
of key issues discussed and perception of design review process
 A quiz on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
 Student facilitation of in-class discussion of required readings
 Final exam on preservation planning problems
Week 1:
Wed., January 15
Introduction to Historic Preservation
Class Overview
Why Preserve?
Preservation History of the United States
ASSIGNMENT:
READINGS:
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Week 2:
Write a short description of a building/structure
See “Week 2”
Lecture: “Significance of the Auditorium Building” (Rolf Achilles, SAIC):
Thur., Jan. 16, 12:15 – 1 pm; Library, Roosevelt University, 430 S.
Michigan Ave., 10th floor
Lecture: “Chicago’s Historic Schools” (Julia Bachrach, Chicago Park
District): Wed., Jan. 22, 12:15-1 pm; Lecture Hall, Chicago Architecture
Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
Commission Meetings: Evanston and Geneva (Jan. 21; see end notes)
Wed., January 22
Preservation at the Federal Level
Review of Federal Regulatory Controls
National Register of Historic Places
The U.S. Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation
READINGS:
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Introduction
2) Stipe: Ch. 1 and Ch. 2 (pp. 35-59, 77-79)
3) Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
(http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm)
ASSIGNMENTS:
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Identify Public Hearing Date
Identify Advocacy Paper Topic
Lecture: “Public Housing” (Lawrence Vale, MIT): Thur., Jan. 23, 6 pm, Pritzker
Auditorium, Harold Washington Library
Lecture: “The HUD Choice Neighborhood Initiative” (APA Tuesdays): Tues., Jan.
28, 5:30 pm, APA, 205 N. Michigan, #1200
>>IN-CLASS PRESENTATIONS OF BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS (with photo)
Week 3:
Wed., January 29
Preservation at the State Level
State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs)
Design Review (State/Federal)
Section 106 Review
READINGS:
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 3 (all pages) and Ch. 8 (pp. 253-257)
>>IDENTIFY PUBLIC HEARING MEETING AND DATE
>>IDENTIFY ADVOCACY MEMO TOPIC (if not on list)
Week 4:
Wed., February 5
Preservation at the Local Level
Guest Lecturer:
Doug Kaarre, AICP
Urban Planner-Historic Preservation
Village of Oak Park
Local Landmark Designation
Design Review: Standards and Practices
Local Preservation Issues
Chicago Designation and Permit Review Process (JP)
READINGS:
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 4 (pp. 117-44) and Ch. 5 (pp. 163-80)
2) Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission: Video and Brochure
on “Building Permits for Historic Properties” (http://www.oakpark.us/village/planning/historic-preservation)
3) Pro/Cons on Local Landmark District Designations (New York City)
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/realestate/the-case-for-and-against-a-bed-stuyhistoric-district.html?_r=0
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Commission meeting: Chicago (Thur., Feb. 6, 12:45 and 1:30 pm; Room 201A City
Hall, 121 N. LaSalle)
>>QUIZ ON THE U.S. SECRETARY’S STANDARDS
Week 5:
Wed., February 12
Preservation in Chicago
Conducting an Historic Resource Survey
Use of Surveys in Preservation Planning Practice
READINGS:
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 3 (pp. 87-88)
2) National Park Service Bulletin #24: Guidelines for Local Surveys
(skim) http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb24)
3) Review SurveyLA (http://preservation.lacity.org/survey/description)
4) Review Chicago Landmarks’ Historic Resources Survey
(http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/landmarkweb/web/historicsurvey.htm)
5) Read Oak Park Survey http://mobile.oakpark.com/News/Articles/1-14-2014/Takinginventory/?utm_source=FacebookShare&utm_medium=FacebookShare&utm_campaign=FacebookS
hare
>>> IN-CLASS COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
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Week 6:
Commission meetings: Aurora, Highland Park, and Oak Park, Thur., Feb. 13 (see
end notes for times/locations; be sure to confirm meeting)
Commission meetings: Evanston and Geneva, Tues., Feb. 18 (see end notes for
times/locations; be sure to confirm meeting)
Wed, February 19
Statewide and Local Advocacy
Guest Lecturer:
Bonnie McDonald
President, Landmarks Illinois, Chicago
(Former Executive Director, Minnesota Preservation Alliance)
State and Local Advocacy Groups
Case Studies of Successes/Failures
Preservation Surveys (JP)
READINGS:
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 10 (pp. 313-351; skim pp 385-406)
2) Clippings on Prentice Hospital, including:
http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/52321
“When Politics Gets in the Way” by Cheryl Kent and Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune, April 11, 2013
http://resources.bertrandgoldberg.org/Trib%20%20Cheryl%20Kent%20and%20Ron%20Grossman%204.11.pdf
3) National Trust for Historic Preservation web site, “Advocacy
Center” http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/advocacycenter/#.UhOk0uDW4QI
4) Landmarks Illinois web site, “Statewide Endangered”
http://www.landmarks.org/ten_most.htm
>>>COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
>>> ADVOCACY MEMO DUE
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Week 7:
Lecture: “H.H. Richardson and His Chicago Legacy”: Thur. Feb. 20, 12:15 – 1 pm;
Library, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., 10th floor
Lecture: “Calumet National Heritage Area,” Tues., Feb. 25, 5:30-7 pm, APA, 205 N.
Michigan Ave., #1210.
Wed, February 26
Commercial Districts and Main Street
Guest Lecturer:
Nick Kalogeresis, AICP
Partner, Lakota Group
(Former Field Rep, National Main Street Program)
Main Street Program
Preservation Plans
Commercial Economic Development
ASSIGNMENT:
READINGS:
Hand in Research Memo Topic
1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 4 (pp. 146-48); Ch. 10 (pp. 324)
2) San Antonio: Strategic Historic Preservation Plan (skim);
(www.sanantonio.gov/historic/strategicplan.aspx)
3) National Trust Main Street Program
http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/#.UhOm9-DW4QI
>>>COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
Lecture: 12:15 pm., Thur., Feb. 27, Tim Samuelson, Gallery Talk, Mecca Flats, Yates
Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, 4th floor.
Lecture: 5:30 pm, Thur., Feb. 27, Preservation Forum, AIA, 35 E. Wacker Dr., #250.
Lecture: noon, Fri., Feb. 28, Architectural Fragments, Art Institute, Gallery 100
Week 8:
Wed., March 5
Economics of Preservation I
Guest Lecturer:
Allen Johnson
Director, Midwest Office, MacCrostie Historic Advisors
Formerly: Massachusetts Historic Preservation Office
Overview of Federal/State/Local Economic Incentives
Project Case Studies and Review Process
Local Economic Incentives (JP)
READINGS:
1) Stipe, A Richer Heritage, Ch. 2 (pp 59-63), Ch. 9 (pp 279-311)
2) National Park Service: “20% Historic Rehab Tax Credit”
(http://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives/before-you-apply.htm)
3) Rypkema, Donovan, “Measuring the Economics of Preservation.”
(http://achp.gov/docs/final-popular-report6-7-11.pdf ) or Forum Journal, Fall
2012, pp. 46-54)
4) Charleston Review, “Vacant Building Incentive Program.”
tome
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/what-is-so-magical-about-theabandoned-building-revitalization-act/Content?oid=4853196
>>>COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
>>>RESEARCH MEMO TOPIC DUE
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Week 9:
Commission meeting: Chicago (Thur., Mar. 6, 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm;
Room 201A, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle)
Wed., March 12
Economics of Preservation II
Guest Lecturer:
Will Tippens
Vice President, Related Midwest LLC
(Former President, Preservation Action)
Case Studies of Federal Economic Incentives
Description of a Pro Forma Using Preservation Incentives
Local Economic Incentive Case Studies (JP)
READINGS:
See Blackboard Announcement
>>>COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
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Commission meetings: Aurora, Highland Park, and Oak Park (Thur.,
Mar. 13; see end notes for times/locations; confirm meeting)
Commission meetings: Evanston and Geneva (Tues., Mar. 18; see end
notes for times/locations; confirm meeting)
Lecture: “Municipal Design Review” (John Hedrick-DePaul): Tues., Mar.
18, 5:30 pm, APA, 205 N. Michigan Ave., 12th floor
Week 10: Wed., March 19
Building Analysis and Materials
Guest Lecturer:
Anne Sullivan, FAIA
Director, Historic Preservation Program
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Historic Structures Reports
Building Assessments
Material Conservation
READINGS:
See Blackboard
>>>COMMISSION MEETING PRESENTATION
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Lecture: “Restoring the Auditorium” (John Vinci, Vinci-Hamp
Architects): Thur., Mar. 20, 12:15 – 1 pm, Library, Roosevelt University,
430 S. Michigan Ave., 10th floor)
SPRING BREAK: Wed., March 26 (No Class)
Lecture: Tim Samuelson Gallery Talk on “Mecca Flats,” 12 noon, Thur., March
27, Yates Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, 4th floor
Week 11: Wed., April 2
Sustainability and Preservation
Guest Lecturer:
Mike Jackson, FAIA
Adjunct Professor, Univ. of Illinois-Urbana
Former Director, Preservation Division,
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Sustainable Design
National Preservation Studies
Lessons from a Career in Government
Preserving the Recent Past and Residential Teardowns (JP)
READINGS:
1) Rypkema, Donovan: “Sustainability and Historic Preservation”
(http://www.preservation.org/rypkema.htm)
2) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 4 (pp. 146-48), Ch. 10 (p 324)
3) Elefante, Carl “The Greenest Building Is…One That Is Already Built,”
Forum Journal, Fall 2012 (see Blackboard site)
4) “Realizing the Energy Efficiency Potential of Small Buildings,”
National Trust for Historic Preservation, June 2013
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/sustainablecommunities/green-lab/smallbuildings/130604_NTHP_report_execsummary_sm.pdf
5) Severinsen, Kay: “Teardowns” (http://www.dreamtown.com/blog/onemore-reason-to-take-a-long-hard-look-at-teardowns)
6) Cochrane, Ric, “National Trust Green Lab”
http://blog.preservationleadershipforum.org/2014/01/24/new-energy-oldbuildings/#%2EUufV-LSvDcs
>>>PRESERVATION ISSUE MEMO DUE
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Commission meeting: Chicago (Thur., Apr. 3, 12:45 and 1:30 pm, Room
201A, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle)
Lecture: “Battle for Mecca Flats,” Thomas Dyja, author of “Third Coast,”
Tues., April 8th, 12:15 pm, Yates Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, 4th
floor (confirm location).
Week 12: Wed., April 9
Legal Issues in Preservation Development/Recent Past
Guest Lecturer:
Bridget O’Keefe
Counsel: Daspin and Aument, LLC
Former board member: Chicago Housing Authority
Current Issues and Case Studies
Negotiation Strategies
Use of Economic Incentives
Recent Past Preservation Challenges (JP)
READINGS:
1) MOMA Demolition, New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/arts/design/momas-plan-to-demolish-folkart-museum-lacks-vision.html?emc=eta1&_r=0
2) Modern House Threats, Architectural Record
http://archrecord.construction.com/features/2014/1404-Endangered-Species.asp
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Commission meetings: Aurora, Highland Park, and Oak Park (Thur., Apr.
10; check end notes for times/locations; confirm meeting)
Commission meetings: Evanston and Geneva (Tues., Apr. 15; check end
notes for times/locations; confirm meeting)
Lecture: Wed., Apr. 16, 12:15 pm, GSA State Street Projects, Chicago
Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
Week 13: Wed., April 16
Institutional Preservation and Politics
(FIELD TRIP: Meet in Room 1007, 624 South Michigan Building)
Guest Lecturer:
Alicia Berg, AICP
VP for Campus Environment, Columbia College
(Former Commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning
and Development)
Aldermanic and Mayoral Issues
Campus Preservation Plan
Tour of Campus Building Projects/Michigan Avenue Streetwall
READINGS: See Blackboard
Week 14: Wed., April 23
Preservation Tradeoffs
Facadisms, Negotiations, Etc.
The Future of Preservation Planning
Hull House Field Trip (if weather and time permits)
ASSIGNMENT: Final Exam (take home)
READINGS: 1) Stipe: A Richer Heritage, Ch. 15 (pp. 451-54; skim pp 456-493)
2) Rypkema: Forum Journal, “Making Historic Preservation Relevant”
>>>IN-CLASS COURSE EVALUATIONS
>>>PRESENTATION OF COMMISSION MEETING
Week 15: Wed., April 30
Facadism Projects in Chicago’s Loop
(FIELD TRIP: Meet at 421 S. Wabash Ave.; Roosevelt University)
>>>DUE: FINAL EXAM
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Jim Peters, AICP, is a consultant in preservation planning and communications. In 2000, he
began teaching in the College of Urban Planning and Public Administration at the
University of Illinois at Chicago. He also has taught a preservation planning studio (200007) and introductory planning course (2012-13) in the Graduate Program in Historic
Preservation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
From 2001 to 2011, Jim worked at Landmarks Illinois, a statewide advocacy group, where
he was President/Executive Director. From 1990 to 2001, he worked for the Chicago
Department of Planning and Development, where he was Director of Central Area Planning
and, later, Deputy Commissioner for the Historic Preservation Division.
Jim’s other professional experience includes: Midwest Director of the American Farmland
Trust (1987-1990), planning consultant for Camiros Ltd. (1985-87), magazine editor for the
American Planning Association (1980-85), architectural surveyor for the Indianapolis
Historic Preservation Commission (1977-79) and the Northwest Wisconsin Regional
Planning Commission (1979), and a reporter for the Indianapolis Star (1973-75).
He has a bachelor’s degree in architecture/environmental design from Texas A&M
University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.
LOCAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETINGS
Aurora Historic Preservation Commission
(Chair: Don Truax; Staff: Sue Jackson and Charlie Wilkins)
Meets 2nd Thursday of each month; confirm meeting
7 pm – Council Chambers, 44 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
(Chair: Rafael Leon; Staff Director: Eleanor Gorski, AIA)
Meets 1st Thursday of each month
12:45 pm – City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, Room 201A, Chicago
(Permit Review Committee meets immediately afterwards. Stay for both meetings.)
Evanston Preservation Commission
(Chair: Garry Shumaker; Staff Director: Carlos Ruiz)
Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month; confirm meeting
7 pm – Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston
Geneva Preservation Commission
(Chair: Scott Roy; Preservation Planner: Michael Lambert, AIA)
Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month; confirm meeting
7 pm – Council Chambers, 109 James St., Geneva
Highland Park Preservation Commission
(Chair: Jean Sogin; Staff Director: Andy Cross, AICP)
Meets 2nd Thursday of each month; confirm meeting
7:30 pm – City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park
Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission
(Staff Director: Doug Kaarre, AICP)
Meets 2nd Thursday of each month; confirm meeting
7:30 pm – Council Chambers, Village Hall, 123 Madison (at Lombard), Oak Park
Other Local Preservation Commission Meetings (see internet)