BY JOANNE ARANY

The architecture and landscapes of Rochester remain among the few links to our city's rich past. We can rightfully crow about our "big brass" landmarks by Frank Lloyd Wright, Claude Bragdon, AJ Warner, Frederick Law Olmsted, and others. And in our city's solid older neighborhoods, sidewalks and front porches signal a friendly way of life (the South Wedge), walkable retail corridors are lined by small shops (Park Avenue), and new uses have revitalized the manufacturing workhorses of the past (St. Paul Street). The city's distinctive character cannot be authentically replicated with new construction.

With the creation of the Landmark Society in 1937, Rochester was ahead of the curve. We were a founding member of the Trust National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation League of New York State. For many decades, Rochester seemed to be a leader in encouraging new uses of its older buildings. After all, it wasn't until the mid-1960's that we had national legislation to guide efforts to recognize the value of our historic resources. Former medical buildings - the Temple and Medical Arts buildings - now house apartments and offices. Abandoned railroad depots and dining make a perfect fit at Dinosaur and Nick Tahou's.

The City of Rochester's 1969 preservation law - one of the earliest in the country - was followed by a wave of enthusiasm, with 64 individual landmarks designated in the first 20 years. Whether because the imminent threats posed by urban renewal subsided, or for other reasons, we have seen just nine landmark designations since 1989. We are not alone; this pattern has been replicated in many cities across the nation.

This lack of interest in landmark designation is probably because many people still don't recognize the benefits of reviving older buildings, such as stable property values, community pride, the preservation of unique character, and economic stimulus. The East Avenue Preservation District is a showcase of these benefits. This incredible and eclectic neighborhood boasts a dramatic rise in property values that can be directly attributed to its protected status and the enthusiastic investments of its property owners.

Incorporating sound and inclusive preservation planning processes in our development efforts could really make a difference. We frequently allow the promise of investment to drive the process, however, rather than having our local governments lead and prescribe our collective "terms" for development. Standards and guidelines won't discourage development. In fact, these standards attract the type of development that has a better chance of making Rochester and its environs a super place to live. Without this guidance, we question: Where are the landmarks we'll be celebrating 25 or 50 years from now?

We need to inspire a better appreciation of the value of our architectural and cultural resources. Otherwise, the protections that our preservation legislation provides will continue to lose their steam. Just as our predecessors did not recognize what today is considered an architectural gem, so will our future citizens not be able to recognize the few masterpieces being built today. That's why the Landmark Society now actively seeks to raise public consciousness about resources of the "recent past" and help communities face urban sprawl and big-box development. If we don't, you will only see a Wal-Mart, and will never see a farm field filled with crop or herds, with an active barn, reflecting a family's livelihood. Will your children know where their dinner came from?

While there has not been a demolition of a major significant building in Rochester in quite some time, we continually erode the character of our communities through active demolition (watch what might happen at the corner of Main and Clinton) or through demolition resulting from neglect. Without fiscal incentives (tax credits or other stimulus), and without the enthusiastic embrace of government officials, this erosion can result in loss of character and loss of sense of place.

We spend a lot of time talking to each other about the value of a vibrant urban core, peopled by diverse populations energized by creativity and innovation. Think of all the professional resources brought together by the Rochester Regional Design Centers' partnership with the City of Rochester for its 2007 Downtown Charette. A set of planning standards and guidelines resulted from this event, and they could guide local governments, planners, investors, and developers to bring outstanding results.

It will be many years before we see that critical mass of professionals gather again to give us the benefit of their knowledge. Yet the document gathers dust, when it should be adopted. And until our policymakers understand and integrate all facets of sound planning into their decisions on how the city and region develops, we will continue to suffer decline.

If we continue on the present course, Rochester will follow the fate of other rustbelt cities and lose its value as an important destination for visitors and as a home for people wishing to build their lives here. The homogenization of our communities is happening swiftly and is an insidious process.

However, with altruistic vision and leadership, in 25 years we can at least see the stabilization of the worthy properties still in existence. And as our economy inches toward a more stable place, we might see innovative new development and construction design reside compatibly alongside our old "standards" of architectural gems, and in the decades to come, see them join that important anthology.

Joanne Arany is executive director of The Landmark Society of Western New York. A native New Yorker, she moved from Syracuse to Rochester in 2006 to head the Society.