Demolition by neglect refers to the practice of allowing a building to deteriorate to the point that demolition becomes necessary or restoration becomes unreasonable.[1] The practice has been used by property owners as a means of sidestepping historic preservation laws by providing justification for the demolition of historical buildings.[2] In order to prevent demolition by neglect, a number of cities have adopted ordinances requiring property owners to properly maintain historical buildings.[3]
Challenges in Enforcement
editEnforcing anti-neglect ordinances poses challenges, including distinguishing intentional neglect from other factors, addressing claims of financial hardship by property owners, and managing the high costs and time demands of legal proceedings.[4]
Notable Cases
editHotel Yugoslavia, Belgrade: This landmark faced potential demolition due to prolonged neglect, sparking public opposition and debates over heritage preservation.[5]
India Buildings, Glasgow: After years of neglect, this historic structure was demolished, raising concerns about the loss of architectural heritage and the effectiveness of preservation laws.[6]
Preventive Measures
editTo prevent demolition by neglect, communities can implement strategies such as regular inspections to identify early signs of neglect, financial incentives like grants and tax credits to support maintenance, and public awareness programs to educate about the importance of preservation. Proactive measures help municipalities protect cultural and historical assets effectively.[7]
Artistic Interventions
editIn 2024, the anonymous street artist Lionel created an installation titled "Demolition by Neglect" on Guelph’s historic McQuillan Bridge. By wrapping the bridge in orange material, Lionel highlighted its deteriorating state and drew public attention to issues of cultural heritage preservation. This intervention spurred community discussions on the maintenance of historic structures and led to a swift response from local authorities, who addressed concerns about the bridge’s condition.[8] [9]
References
edit- ^ "The Police Power, Eminent Domain, and the Preservation of Historic Property". Columbia Law Review. 63 (4): 708–732. April 1963. doi:10.2307/1120584. ISSN 0010-1958. JSTOR 1120584.
- ^ Wheeler, Linda (June 24, 1999). "'An End to Demolition by Neglect'". The Washington Post.
- ^ Newman, Galen; Saginor, Jesse (2014-10-20). "Four Imperatives for Preventing Demolition by Neglect". Journal of Urban Design. 19 (5): 622–637. doi:10.1080/13574809.2014.943705. ISSN 1357-4809.
- ^ "Demolition by Neglect" (PDF). Raleigh Historic Development Commission. Raleigh Historic Development Commission. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "Belgrade's landmark Hotel Yugoslavia faces likely demolition, with many opposed". Associated Press. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "Scotland is bulldozing buildings and we can't do anything to stop it". The Times. 2024-01-20.
- ^ "Establishing a Demolition by Neglect Ordinance" (PDF). California State Parks: Office of Historic Preservation. California Department of Parks and Recreation. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "'Demolition by Neglect': Installation by Street Artist Lionel Calls Attention to Guelph's McQuillan Bridge". Guelph Mercury. 2024-07-31.
- ^ "City to Remove Street Art Installation from Historic Bridge". Guelph Today. 2024-07-26.
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