It has grown from the activity of a few upper-class antiquarians, to a broad mass movement to preserve main street , urban districts and indeed whole towns. Rehabbed buildings can help revive a whole neighborhood, even a whole town or city, with resulting higher rents and tax revenues. The least attractive part of town may become suddenly the most attractive. A revitalized neighborhood attracts new investment, new businesses, and often the pure gold of tourists. The best buildings are not those that are cut like a tailored suit to fit only one set of functions, but rather those that are strong enough to retain their character as they accommodate different functions over time.
Adaptive use is the destiny of most buildings.
The wisdom acquired looking back must be translated into wisdom looking forward. Under pressure from preservationists and environmentalists, economists have come up with a new term to reflect the newly understood value. Old buildings, like forests, are appraised as intergenerational equity. With the foregoing thoughts in mind and the realization that Echo Park is an exceptionally unique and relatively intact area, the Jensen s building becomes an unparalleled opportunity for community renewal. The interaction of these two functions will serve to bring us all together in one place, so in a real sense, the community can become better acquainted with itself.