Answer extracted from The Boulos Beat: A Commercial Real Estate Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How should preservation organizations balance advocacy with collaboration when engaging developers on historic buildings?
Successful preservation requires shifting from confrontation to proactive collaboration—getting a seat at the table early in the development process rather than opposing plans after they're made. Greater Portland Landmarks has found that serving as a resource for developers, while maintaining readiness to advocate firmly when necessary, produces better outcomes than adversarial approaches.
From Opposition to Partnership
Greater Portland Landmarks has evolved its strategy over time, moving away from a purely confrontational stance toward developers. The shift reflects a strategic recognition that preservation battles are won not by blocking projects, but by shaping them from within. Being part of the planning process from the start allows preservation groups to influence decisions while developers still have flexibility to integrate historic sensitivity into their vision.
This proactive approach means engaging developers as partners, not adversaries. Rather than waiting for project announcements and then mobilizing opposition, preservation organizations now seek opportunities to offer expertise, guidance, and solutions that align both historic character and development goals.
Knowing When to Push Back
Collaboration does not mean accepting every proposal without question. Advocacy groups must remain willing to draw a line when core preservation values are at stake. The difference lies in timing and tone: by building relationships and demonstrating good faith through earlier cooperation, organizations gain credibility and influence when they do choose to oppose something.
As detailed in the full episode with Julie Gondzar, the organization recognizes that real success requires knowing which moments demand hard pushback and which moments call for problem-solving together with developers. This balance keeps advocacy groups relevant and effective rather than sidelined as obstructionists.
"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 spent years in both business and public sector roles. A native New Englander with a master's degree from Plymouth State University, she brings extensive experience in development and fundraising, combined with a deep personal commitment to Portland's maritime heritage and historic architecture. Before her transition to nonprofit leadership, she co-founded and scaled Snowy Elk Coffee Company, an award-winning specialty roastery, managing sales, marketing, and business development.
Gondzar's perspective reflects a mature understanding of nonprofit strategy: her experience building Snowy Elk Coffee Company taught her the value of relationships and trust in complex negotiations. That same philosophy now guides how Greater Portland Landmarks approaches its mission.
The Resource Model
Rather than position themselves as gatekeepers or obstacles, preservation organizations increasingly serve as technical resources and strategic partners to developers. This means offering expertise on historic tax credits, design guidelines, community engagement strategies, and authentic restoration methods that can add value to projects.
When developers see preservation groups as problem-solvers rather than problem-makers, they're more likely to invite early input. That early involvement opens the door to influence—the real goal of any preservation strategy.
See also
What was the historical catalyst for the founding of Greater Portland Landmarks as an organization?
Greater Portland Landmarks was founded in 1964 following the 1961 demolition of Union Station on St. John Street. The passionate group of people who fought to preserve the city's historic character established the organization to prevent further loss of Portland's architectural heritage.
How can specialty beverage businesses leverage outdoor lifestyle branding to build national distribution?
Snowy Elk Coffee Company was inspired by a passion for outdoor adventure, including fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. The brand was designed to connect authentically with customers who share those lifestyle values, enabling growth in specialty markets and national distribution channels.
What factors drive professionals to transition from business ownership in the private sector to nonprofit leadership roles?
Julie sought a new career path after years in business and was anxious to step into the nonprofit world. Her background naturally led her to development, where she could leverage her passion for relationships and community engagement in service of historic preservation.
Key takeaways
- Preservation organizations achieve more by seeking partnership roles early in development projects than by opposing them after decisions are made.
- Serving as a technical resource and strategic advisor gives preservation groups genuine influence over project design and outcomes.
- Building trust and relationships with developers strengthens advocacy credibility when preservation groups do need to push back hard on critical issues.
- Success requires balancing collaboration with the willingness to take firm stands on core preservation values.