Public housing has never been considered historic, much less preservable. Starting with legislation in 1934, the relatively young program is at a crossroads: should we continue to build or should we look to the private market for our housing answers? If we look towards the private market, reevaluating the necessity and use of currently standing public housing comes up for debate. By examining the history of public housing nationally, patterns emerge showing how funding structures and policy maneuvers controlled the innovation or lack thereof in housing. Focusing on demolition, an exploration into place memory is discussed, relating to the preservation of spaces in our minds and how the physical environment affects them. Finally, looking at different developments in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois, the cases show different perspectives on public housing preservation, from the completely intact project to those that are creatively readapted to one with a single structure remaining. Public housing has a strong story to tell, and a strong place within our cultural memory, the task for preservationists to learn how to explain and celebrate. / 1 / Madeline L norton / archives@tulane.edu