Community participation in urban preservation planning: A case study of the North Central neighborhood in Charleston, SC

This thesis explores the role of community participation in urban preservation planning processes. A case study of the North Central neighborhood in Charleston, SC is used to investigate this inquiry. This study seeks to explore what residents in North Central value as heritage assets and how this information compares to ongoing preservation planning, interactions with the City and local preservation advocacy organizations, and overall community engagement. Qualitative methods were used for data collection and an analytical framework was developed based in theories of democracy, participatory planning, and values-based heritage. The results indicate that residents of North Central value the built environment and architectural integrity of the neighborhood, however the intangible aspects of heritage resonate most with the community. These include the people, stories, experiences, and memories associated with the neighborhood and its features. While efforts to preserve the neighborhood have increased in recent years, there are still disparities in what is actively being preserved and what residents identify as important heritage assets. The thesis also reveals that a lack of democratic space for participation and a communication deficit serve as limitations to community participation in formal planning processes for preservation. Increased community participation in these processes could influence new development in the neighborhood to better reflect the contemporary needs and values of its residents. It also serves to foster better collaboration among organizations, governmental partners, and residents in order to continue developing inclusive approaches to neighborhood preservation and establishing initiatives in North Central with sustainable outcomes