SEATTLE—A new research report demonstrates howneighborhoods that protect and find new uses for older,smaller buildings are more economically sustainable,culturally vibrant, and opportunity-rich than those with onlylarger, newer buildings.

The report, Older, Smaller, Better: Measuring Howthe Character of Buildings and Blocks Influences UrbanVitality, was published by the National Trustfor Historic Preservation.
The study shows how neighborhoods with a mix of older and newerbuildings outperform newer neighborhoods in terms of opportunitiesfor small locally-owned businesses and for local cultural outlets.Older neighborhoods are highly walkable, appeal toyoung professionals and retirees, and offer a wide array of artsand entertainment options.
"The National Trust's research of neighborhoods with older, smallerbuildings is the first comprehensive study of the relationshipbetween cities' historic buildings and prosperity," saidStephanie Meeks, president of the trust. "Theeconomic growth of communities is enhanced by preserving ourhistoric neighborhoods. These areas attract more young, talentedprofessionals, contain more businesses per commercial square footand offer more creative jobs than areas with only larger, newerbuildings."
The report was produced by the Preservation GreenLab, an initiative of the National Trust for HistoricPreservation, with offices in Seattle, Denver andLos Angeles. The Preservation Green Lab worksclosely with local, state and national partners to developinnovative content, strategic partnerships, research and publicpolicies that save places.

"For years, people have been pushing density above all else,"said Mike Powe, Ph.D., lead researcher for thePreservation Green Lab. "With our goal of supporting localbusinesses and neighborhoods, we now know from the insights in thisreport that how we build and what type of structures we maintainmatters tremendously to the success of these communities."