Community Mourning Practices in Historic Building Demolition

Abstract

As the National Historic Preservation Act approaches its 60th anniversary, the field of historic preservation faces a critical gap: regulatory tools have been developed to protect buildings yet no framework exists for responding to their loss once demolition becomes unavoidable. This qualitative study documents community-based mourning practices surrounding historic building demolition in Seattle, Washington. The work argues that acts of mourning are a legitimate and undertheorized form of preservation practice. Drawing on a repository of eleven case studies and five semi-structured interviews with artists, architects, community organizers, and preservation professionals, this research demonstrates that communities actively develop remembrance practices to reminisce and let go when formal preservation pathways are unavailable. Recent Washington State legislation reducing community standing in the landmark designation process makes these findings especially timely. This study argues that preservation practice must expand beyond saving structures and work to support communities through building demolition. This work is currently carried out by individuals and small organizations that exist without institutional recognition or support. By folding this work into historic preservation practice, we are able to better meet the foundational goals of the National Historic Preservation Act.