August 30, 2022
Historic buildings are more than just old structures—they are vital threads in the fabric of a city’s identity. Preserving them not only honors the past but also shapes the character and future of a community. From economic benefits to environmental sustainability, the case for preserving historic architecture is compelling. Let’s explore why safeguarding these treasures is crucial and how Norwalk is leading the way.
Preserving History Through Buildings
Historic buildings serve as tangible links to the past, offering a sense of place and continuity. They embody a city’s cultural and aesthetic evolution, often commemorating pivotal events or influential eras. Recognizing this, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was enacted to protect these irreplaceable assets, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations. As the act states, preserving historic structures provides “cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and energy benefits” to communities across the nation.
Economic Benefits Of Historic Preservation
Preserving older buildings can be a savvy financial decision. Structures built before World War II often feature superior craftsmanship and materials like heart pine, marble, or hand-made bricks. Modern construction rarely replicates such durability or character.
Rehabilitating historic structures can also drive economic growth. Revitalized buildings attract investors, tourists, and new businesses. For example, repurposing an abandoned industrial building into retail or mixed-use spaces can transform neighborhoods, fostering both economic and cultural vibrancy. Read more about Norwalk’s Historic Districts.

Photo Credit: Tod Bryant
Aesthetic Importance of Older Buildings
Older buildings are often made with unique, valuable materials such as heart pine, marble, or old brick. They may have details and features you can’t find anymore, like decorative facades, unusual glasswork, or copper lining. Many people feel that older buildings have their own identity and distinctive character because of these features, making them more interesting than modern buildings. Retaining and maintaining old buildings means old methods of workmanship are also supported.
Environmental Considerations
The importance of recycling has become more and more understood on a household level, but preserving old buildings is recycling on a larger scale. Repairing and reusing existing buildings uses energy and material resources more efficiently and reduces waste. New materials don’t need to be created, nor are older demolished materials thrown away. Plus, energy for rebuilding is conserved. Also, tearing down structures may release toxins and pollutants into the environment.
Funding Opportunities
There are several programs available to help fund the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Municipalities and non-profit organizations can apply for Historic Restoration Fund grants. Grants through Preservation Connecticut are available to local governments, non-profits, and private homeowners. Non-profit housing corporations and homeowners may also be eligible for the state’s Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.
Historic Preservation in Norwalk
Norwalk combines the character of a historic New England community on the coast of Long Island Sound with a thriving city in the county’s largest metropolitan area. One of the priorities outlined in Norwalk’s 10-year Citywide Plan is enhancing and preserving the city’s historic resources. Historic areas such as South Norwalk have seen investment and growth, while preserving its many historic structures and character.
The City’s Planning & Zoning Commissions have recently enacted several regulations to encourage the preservation of historic structures. For example, if the historic structures are preserved, the Commission can reduce the amount of required parking, decrease building setbacks or increase building height or size for recognized historic structures. Two areas of the City where these regulations have taken effect are in South Norwalk (SSDD Regulations) and the Wall Street area (CBD Regulations).
In 2021, an 84-acre area around the South Norwalk train station in Norwalk, CT, traditionally known as Springwood and Whistleville, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Read More about Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations pertaining to Historic Preservation
Read More about Norwalk’s historic heritage on page 95 of the Citywide Plan