Episode #071021: Selects: How Historic Districts Work

A fascinating thing about Americans is that we can disagree on anything. Such is the case with historic districts – areas of historic importance protected by local laws. Seems innocuous, but are they also to blame for the affordable housing crisis? Learn all about it in this classic episode.

AI Summary

# Stuff You Should Know: Historic Districts

Chuck Bryant guides listeners through a fascinating dive into the world of historic districts, exploring what actually makes a neighborhood "historic" and why it matters. The episode covers everything from how Charleston, South Carolina pioneered the first U.S. historic district back in 1931 to the surprising controversies surrounding preservation efforts today. You'll learn about the difference between getting on the National Register of Historic Places versus having actual local protections, plus discover the thorny debate over whether these districts help preserve community character or just price out longtime residents in favor of wealthy newcomers.

Movies Discussed

Back to the Future

1985 1h 56m

★ 8.3

"Save the clock tower. It's good. You like that? I wasn't reading this article thinking Back to the Future. — Josh references the famous clock tower scene from Back to the Future when discussing historic landmarks and preservation." — Josh

Pleasantville

1998 PG-13 2h 4m

★ 7.3

"I just watched Pleasantville last night for, like, the 500th time. That's a good movie. — Chuck mentions watching Pleasantville as an example of a movie dealing with conformity and uniformity in neighborhoods." — Chuck

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

2003 R 1h 38m

★ 6.3

"What? The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Oh, it's so good. The original? Yes. I had never seen it. — Josh discusses watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for the first time and finding it disturbing while preparing for a slasher movie special." — Josh

💬 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first!