What does "historical preservation" aim to do?

Historical preservation aims to protect structures with historical or cultural significance, ensuring that these buildings and sites are maintained for future generations. This practice recognizes the importance of heritage and cultural identity within a community, often involving the safeguarding of architecture, landmarks, and sites that have historical importance. The preservation efforts help to maintain the character and identity of a community, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the cultural narrative conveyed by these structures.

In contrast, while increasing land values, developing new commercial spaces, or expanding residential areas might be goals of urban development or economic growth initiatives, they do not align with the primary objective of historical preservation. This distinction underscores that the preservation movement is fundamentally about maintaining the existing cultural and historical fabric of the community, rather than modifying it for commercial or developmental purposes.