New Solider Field losing its integrity

I can see how New Solider Field lost its integrity after Tyler’s explanation of the degrees and evaluation required for a building or site to be on the National Register. However, I do not think the renovations on New Solider Field were inappropriate. Further use of the facility is an up keep of its integrity and historical context.  Now with more seating, which includes the original stadium, the public can enjoy sporting events where historical fights such as the famous Jack Dempsey-Gene Tunney.[i] I can see why it is no longer on the National Register, but it deserves an honorable mention as stadium that has housed historic sporting events and is still used for that purpose.

Historical charm sells. The economics of historical preservation is an interesting argument. In Chapter six Tyler touches on the six reasons to establish a historical district which include at least two, and arguably more, reasons that the help a district become more economically stable. Furthermore, chapter nine made valid points as to why development is inclusive of new development. Historical preservation sells. The Starbucks example is one of my favorites.  When it comes to preservation a build you have to have a sells pitch explain how it is going to be economically viable to keep. Selling the atmosphere, like Starbucks, of the period is the best angle. The public’s approval is essential for historical preservation to link with economic value. Take the example of the Idaho Statehouse. Approving renovations for the Capitol building so that it could still be a functioning law house was difficult. The people would have to pay for the project and the only sell was that it was preserving our Idaho history. However, with its recent completion the economic value is evident. Idaho’s capitol is one of few that are still used for the law making process. During the first months of each year when the congress is in session it draws hundreds of people to the historical downtown area of Boise. These people come from all over the state as congressmen, lobbyists, and concerned citizens. This people need to eat, have a place to stay, park, and enjoy themselves. This is all available within a short walking distance from the capitol with restaurants, shopping, music venues, coffee shops, parking garages, and hotels. The Idaho Statesmen reported 30 businesses closed in 2010, but 33 opened.  This can be attributed to not only the law making process that makes place in the heart of downtown, but tourism that the building creates as a large open facility that has a history and still makes law. Had the capitol project not had the support of the public to support their heritage, it is possible that down towns economic growth would not be as stabilized.