Thesis (MS)--University of Montana, 2009. / Contents viewed on December 11, 2009. Title from author supplied metadata. Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this project is to explore how the community planning and style of housing of Temple Terrace Estates embodies the socio-economic conflicts inherent to the United States in the 1920s. To account for missing narratives, I will approach this research from a critical cultural perspective. I chose this approach as a way to investigate the power dynamics in the city during the time it was known as Temple Terrace Estates Inc. The Estates attracted investors by encouraging northerners to purchase a Mediterranean Revival or Spanish Colonial style villa in conjunction with a parcel of a large orange grove, which would be tended by paid laborers. The rigorous nostalgia for a colonial past resulted in marginalization of the laboring class and a loss of their voice in history. Thus, my objective is to bring attention to unrepresented experiences that exist within a dominant narrative The following chapters outline the history of Temple Terrace Estates, examine primary sources, and discuss my experience of living in the city. They also explain the theories and methods I use in the analysis such as space/place theory, critical cultural theory, and suburban theory. I tell the story of the conception and construction of The Estates as part of the story of Tampa, Florida, and the United States during the 1920s. Next, I examine the presence of both domestic and agricultural labor in the Estates and discuss the inherent exclusion of laborer's voices in the city's history. I analyze maps, ads, marketing, newspaper thesiss, housing styles, and agricultural practices of the Estates. Knowledge of the city's past provides a way to create meaning in contemporary issues such as historic preservation, crime, and education in the city. Addressing social inequality and implied violence in the history of labor at the Estates might strengthen current accusations of continued racism. However, the omission of the voices of laborers also perpetuates secrecy and mistrust. If Temple Terrace's recent initiative toward historic status is to succeed, there must be support from the community. Scholars and community members of Temple Terrace must acknowledge the continual re-production and re-presentation of the past with a more inclusive narrative. This study demonstrates that the application of critical cultural theory has relevant application today in its ability to diffuse current conflict and aid in historic preservation. Inclusive narratives of the past can help produce safer and more beautiful more beautiful communities for the future.

This dissertation presents findings from ethnographic research conducted with members of the Sociedad La Unión Martí-Maceo, established by segregated Black Cuban cigar workers in Ybor City in 1904. For decades, Tampa officials have initiated numerous urban revitalization projects aimed at developing a world-class tourist destination and metropolitan center. Often, these efforts have centered on highlighting the ethnic history of Ybor City, from which the participation of Black Cubans and the Martí-Maceo Society have been actively excluded or ignored. The main issues related to contemporary Afro- Cuban identity in Tampa and which will be examined in my dissertation, include the changing nature of the Afro-Cuban community in Tampa in light of increases in migration of Cubans and other Latinos of color to the area; Martí-Maceo members’ struggle to reclaim an Afro-Cuban heritage within Tampa’s larger historic preservation efforts over the past decade; and an examination of the Martí-Maceo Society as a voluntary association that appears to have outlived its usefulness in present-day Tampa despite efforts by elderly members to sustain and expand it.

While incidence rates are increasing for many cancers in Puerto Rico, mortality rates are declining (Torres-Cintron, et al. 2010), resulting in growing numbers of survivors and creating a situation in which long-term survivorship concerns are beginning to emerge as priorities. The importance of quality-of-life among survivors of cancer is increasingly being recognized among healthcare providers, although there remains a gap in knowledge of how young adult survivors cope with long-term treatment-related physical effects, such as infertility, and of the impact of cancer on survivors' social relationships and future goals. Because understandings of "cancer survivorship," as well as of reproduction, vary according to cultural context, this study examined the physical and social impact of cancer on young adults in Puerto Rico, and specifically the importance of parenthood. A media analysis of women's magazines, key informant interviews with ten cancer researchers, as well as in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 23 young adult cancer survivors, 16 healthcare providers, nine cancer advocates, and two members of the clergy were conducted in order to shed light on the lived experiences, needs, and concerns of young Puerto Rican cancer survivors.

National Register Bulletin 38: Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties was first published in 1990 as a response to the Secretary of the Interior's report Cultural Conservation. Submitted to Congress and the President in 1983, Cultural Conservation "recommended in general that traditional cultural resources...be more systematically addressed in implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act and other historic preservation authorities." Bulletin 38 defined Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs), as those "whose significance is derived from the role the property plays in a community's historically rooted beliefs, customs, and practices." Bulletin 38 provides guidance in determining whether properties of traditional cultural significance are potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This thesis investigates whether or not the NRHP Criteria, and guidelines set forth in Bulletin 38, provide adequate protection for non-tribal TCPs under the NHPA. An outline of applicable federal regulations and procedures for identification and evaluation of historic properties provides a framework for evaluating TCPs. Examination of four cases studies, Mt. Graham, Bighorn Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain, the Dune Shacks of the Peaked Hill Bars, and Gladesmen Folk Culture, illustrates several fundamental difficulties in the treatment of TCPs. First, emphasis on professionalization within the fields of Cultural Resource Management and Historic Preservation has discouraged consideration of community perspectives in the identification and evaluation of both tribal and non-tribal historic sites. Second, divergent viewpoints between federal agencies, Native American tribes, professional practitioners, and individual communities prevent meaningful consultation and cooperation. Third, the existing standards and guidelines for identification and evaluation of TCPs are vague, and subject to variable interpretation. Finally, a conflict of interest exists between agencies and communities when considering properties located on federally owned land. In order for TCPs, especially non-tribal TCP's, to receive adequate attention and protection agencies and professionals need to change how they implement and interpret the procedures and guidelines set forth in the NHPA. This thesis concludes with suggestions for improving the process of identifying and evaluating non-tribal TCPs. It advocates creating independent, regional sub-committees to make informed recommendations and determinations of eligibility for TCPs located on federally owned land. Finally, it outlines strategies for promoting more community involvement in the NRHP review process through training programs administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. / text

Commercial strips are ubiquitous elements of the American landscape. They offer important opportunities for inquiry into the ways in which cities are adapted, preserved, and redeveloped over time. This research examines the dynamics of reinvestment along central city commercial strips in Austin, Texas. Research was aimed at understanding the relationship between reinvestment in existing commercial buildings and larger processes of redevelopment and change along commercial strips undergoing transition. Case study commercial strips were selected that had been established in the early to mid-twentieth century and that had experienced decline and subsequent reinvestment. Historic patterns of land use, transportation, and economic trends are described and related to the relatively recent growth of concentrations of local businesses and reinvestment activity along case study commercial strips. “Core samples” of preservation and adaptive reuse were examined using spatial data, building surveys, historical data, and interviews with associated actors. Additional interviews were conducted with actors who have initiated, influenced, and regulated reinvestment, including business and property owners, developers, neighborhood activists, a media correspondent, city officials, among others. This research details the private, public, and community-based actors who shape the character of reinvestment; the influx of new businesses and retention of iconic businesses; and conflicts and negotiations at the edges of commercial and residential districts and between public and private sectors. The dissertation relates observations along Austin’s commercial strips to four themes identified in the literature and their associated views of improvement: 1. commercial strips as “wicked problems” of land use and transportation; 2. commercial strips as cultural landscapes and roadside heritage; 3. commercial strips as concentrations of commercial properties with opportunities for sustainability and retrofitting of commercial properties; and 4. commercial strips as contested arenas of gentrification. This research highlights the importance of understanding the durability of existing land development patterns and of incorporating an understanding of the continued and adaptive use of buildings and urban fabric in land use planning. It presents emerging opportunities for preservation practice beyond standard practices of survey and landmarking. It illustrates the many ways in which actors have agency, or “choreograph” change individually and collectively, in responding to opportunities and challenges presented in the context of social and economic change. / text

A recent report by Terrapin Bright Green “Mid-century (Un) Modern” discusses the desperate condition of mid-century modern high-rises in Manhattan. The article argues that it would be beneficial both economically and environmentally to demolish these buildings and build new ones with an assumed increase in FAR. To re-build, repair or re-skin are the questions Mid-century Modern High-rises (MMH) face today. This study focuses on Houston, Texas, which is very different from New York City both climatically and from a planning stand point. It is dreaded for its hot and humid climate and notorious for its consistent refusal to adopt any zoning. These high-rises in Houston represent the economic success of the city immediately after WWII. These buildings were constructed as the city transformed from the Bayou City to the Space city. In this study I have mapped the status of these high-rises and the strategies that were used to renovate them. The questions I further wish to address are how preservation or energy efficiency are addressed while renovating these buildings. Even preservationists might agree that all buildings are not equal and a new look would benefit some. The real challenge lies in resolving the grey areas, where one is not talking about a Seagram or a Lever House, but a well designed environmentally sensitive building. / text

 With the increasing recognition of the importance of heritage conservation, it would not be adequate merely to control archaeological discoveries or to preserve items of historical interest. In this society where resources are scarce, rules have to be made for enabling the selection of what to keep and what not to, and if to be kept, how the heritage resources could be sufficiently protected. Under the present system, for instance, graded buildings afforded no legal protection save for Grade 1 buildings which may be qualified and ready to be declared as “monuments”. Also, there is no system for appeal if the building is graded against the owner’s will. Through the years, the Ordinance had not been reviewed to meet with the social development and has become obsolete and out-of-date. It is no longer able to give sufficient legal protection to the heritage conservation in Hong Kong. Following the Queen’s Pier incident and the Court of First Instance decision which will be discussed in details, the need for a more proper and comprehensive heritage protection legislation becomes more intense and imminent. One may recall that the Chief Executive had announced a range of initiatives on heritage conservation in the 2007-2008 Policy Address which was delivered on 10th October 2007. Yet, it is submitted that a policy initiative no matter how ambitious cannot be achieved without the foundation of a concrete legal framework. Objective standard and guidelines have to be established for future precedent. It is only by then certainty and sustainability on conservation can be achieved. The issues that we are going to discuss in this article is, by examining the development of heritage protection law of Hong Kong, whether Hong Kong, being part of China and a State Parties which have adhered to the World Heritage Convention, has afforded and taken sufficient legal measures in securing our cultural heritage. The recent judgment of the Court of First Instance has thrown light to the fact that our heritage legislation, namely the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance is inadequate to safeguard some of the historically significant heritage in Hong Kong. There are of course counter-argument that conservation is a hindrance to urban development and possible impingement of private property right. In this dissertation, we will examine, from a legal point of view, how the legal framework of our system, insofar as heritage conservation is concerned, can be improved and/or modified or even advanced. / published_or_final_version / Conservation / Master / Master of Science in Conservation

A street sign is a kind of traffic sign displayed along the street to show the street name so that both pedestrians and drivers can know where they are. It is believed to be originated from the massive pillar or milestone built by the Romans in the ancient time. In ancient China, sometimes at the entrance of the main path in a village or town would have a small gateway showing the path name, bearing the function of the street sign. Nowadays, street signs with different designs and materials can be seen everywhere. Hong Kong was originally a small fishing village in South China for many years with paths connecting different areas. Since 1842, Hong Kong was officially become a British colony. The first formal street built on the colonial land was Hollywood Road and street signs of modern meaning appeared since the mid 19th century. Street signs of different designs for a long time are functioning as a mark of a place, but they are also the living witnesses of history. However, when we review the present heritage conservation policies and works done by the government, the focus of conservation falls mainly on large-scale artefacts and small relics have always been neglected. Street signs, although small in size and changing from time to time, can definitely be regarded as the important heritage of the past and present Hong Kong. The key issue addressed by this dissertation is that street signs are not only a mark of a place, but also have significant heritage value which can be regarded as one of the important urban heritage in Hong Kong’s streetscape as different street signs can reflect the historical development and social-political transformation of Hong Kong in the past years in terms of designs, materials, locations, mounting methods and naming system. This dissertation will focus on the street signs at Pei Ho Street in Sham Shui Po as a case study. There is a great variety of different kinds of street signs in the street which are worth for further research and analysis in both tangible and intangible manners. The purpose is to reveal the significance of my street sign study in the area of heritage conservation, and to show the distribution of different street signs in Pei Ho Street and their characteristics, so as to set up a template for analysing other street signs in Hong Kong and establish their significance in the local history for future study. / published_or_final_version / Conservation / Master / Master of Science in Conservation

At a time when the world is becoming more monotonous under the effect of globalization, diversity has become precious. To retain the different colours of culture, cultural heritage conservation has been widely practiced in many countries. Starting from the 1970s, international conservation organizations have been advocating for area-based conservation. They believe that the goal of heritage conservation, which includes the conservation of both tangible and intangible assets, can be better achieved by conserving areas at an urban scale. In order to facilitate area-based conservation, many countries have integrated conservation with town planning. In Hong Kong, heritage conservation does not protect areas at an urban scale. It only serves an advisory function to town planning and fails to protect the landscape around historic buildings/sites. Under the fast pace of development, this building-based conservation approach has created a fragmented cityscape of Hong Kong as bits and bobs of historic structures are surrounded by incompatible features such as parking garage, flyovers, highways and skyscrapers. This ruins the spirit of the place, decreases the heritage value of the site and consequently diminishes the character of the city. This study attempts to improve heritage conservation in Hong Kong by finding out the feasibility of setting up conservation areas in the city. It explores the importance of heritage conservation, the significance of area-based conservation, and the success factors for setting conservation areas in Singapore, which has shown successful in preserving historic districts and areas of special character by area-based conservation. By reviewing Hong Kong‟s current practice in heritage conservation and town planning against these success factors, several recommendations are conducted at the end. / published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Design / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning