Renewed Artifact: Live/Work Residences at the Boeing Field Apartments

Abstract

The importance of rehabilitating and renovating historic buildings is a long-established value in the preservationist community, not to mention its explicit connection to the built environment and architecture. However, in the past, the field of historic preservation has largely been influenced by more advantaged stakeholders. This suggests a need to understand who benefits from preservation. Preservation and restoration of historic buildings is essential in regions, such as Georgetown, that are under threat of the effects of gentrification, demolition, and redevelopment. Rehabilitation of historic buildings can contribute to the accessibility of housing and workspaces, while can acting as a generator for community development. This thesis examines the role that preservation and rehabilitation of a historic building has in serving the needs of a community, with the renovation of residences and new, local workspaces at the historic Boeing Field Apartments and adjacent site.