Answer extracted from The Boulos Beat: A Commercial Real Estate Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
Why does historic preservation matter for a city's economy and quality of life?
Preservation brings in people, keeps the economy strong, and attracts businesses and residents. Cities with distinctive character and historic architecture become destinations—people want to visit and live there, while the working waterfront and historic districts drive tourism and business activity. If a city loses its unique character, it loses people.
Portland exemplifies this principle. The city's historic neighborhoods and waterfront create an economic engine that draws both visitors and new residents. As Julie Gondzar, Director of Development at Greater Portland Landmarks, explains in the podcast, preservation is not simply about saving old buildings—it's about maintaining the identity that makes a place worth living in.
The relationship works in both directions. When neighborhoods retain their historic character, property values remain stable and often increase. Businesses thrive because they operate in walkable, distinctive areas where customers actually want to spend time. This creates a virtuous cycle: stronger local economies support the resources needed to maintain historic properties, while well-preserved neighborhoods attract further investment.
Urban renewal in the 1960s and 70s removed thousands of homes from neighborhoods like Bayside and Munjoy Hill, fragmenting communities and erasing the character that made those areas special. Greater Portland Landmarks was founded in 1964 following the devastating 1961 demolition of Union Station, a turning point that showed how quickly a city can lose its landmarks and the sense of place they embody.
"Success ultimately comes from collaboration. I believe that if you want a good result at the end of the day, collaboration is key."
Julie Gondzar — Director of Development, Greater Portland Landmarks. Julie joined the organization in January 2025 after relocating from Wyoming, where she co-founded and scaled Snowy Elk Coffee Company with her husband. Originally from New England with 18 years of childhood spent in Scarborough and Portland, she holds a master's degree from Plymouth State University and brings extensive experience in both public and private sectors, including work in water management and drought mitigation. Her deep commitment to preservation stems from her understanding of how historic neighborhoods shape community identity and economic vitality.
The economic argument for preservation is straightforward: heritage buildings and districts generate sustained economic activity through tourism, local business, and residential appeal. But the quality-of-life dimension is equally important. People choose to live in Portland because of its maritime history, walkable streets, and buildings that tell stories—elements that would disappear if preservation efforts slackened. Without intentional stewardship, even thriving historic neighborhoods can erode, taking their economic benefits with them.