Donovan Rypkema believes there is a solution to the affordable housing crisis — and the answer is in what many cities already have, not in what they have yet to build. The preservation and repurposing of older and historic buildings, he argues, is the key to combating the affordable housing crisis.
Rypkema believes cities and affordable housing advocates should look at the buildings they already have to address the issue instead of trying to build their way out of the problem.
On Oct. 24, Rypkema brings his ideas and research to Charlotte to discuss how historic preservation can significantly generate affordable housing for the Mecklenburg County area.
Rypkema has helped clients with historic preservation solutions in 49 states and more than 30 countries. As a member of the Team of Specialists for Public-Private Partnerships for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Donovan has spoken to audiences worldwide.
We’ll also hear from the director of the Historic Landmarks Commission, Stewart Gray, about Mecklenburg County’s efforts to preserve historic buildings and to use them in innovative and creative ways.
GUESTS:
Stewart Gray, director Historic Landmarks Department with Mecklenburg County
Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic development consulting firm.
