“It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in conversation with the present about mutual concern for the future” – William J. MurtaghWalk down any street in a small town in the United States and look around, there are empty buildings scattered among empty lots, trash, and parking lots. A glance at one of the empty buildings and the sensation of people busy carrying packages, dressed in early 19th century clothing, plays in the mind like on a movie screen. Why isn't he brought back to life? As we turn, a group of people stand in front, open plans and smiles on their faces. A sigh escapes; there is hope for the neighborhood thanks to visionary people and city planners who see the potential behind the empty windows. Over time, areas like this will go from being just a blight to being a place where people live, work and enjoy an evening meal. Chen says: “The image of decadence, indifference and crime has transformed into a sense of rootedness and a sense of community pride. (Chen, 2013, p. 835) Using comprehensive planning and developing a balance between urban planning and historic preservation will add economic and environmental value to our communities. Comprehensive urban planning must be sustainable, economical and take into account the predominance of historic buildings within the territory. scope of design plans. When community leaders and planners come together to discuss and review plans to renovate a neighborhood, all aspects of potential new construction and how it will fit into existing buildings. Ghasemzadeh says: "A good urban planner and/or designer will know the principles to follow and the steps to take to maintain or improve the conditions of an urban area through effective planning and design...... middle of paper." ... ..ography Series / Analele Universitatii Din Oradea, SeriaGeografie, 23(1), 80-85. Retrieved March 9, 2014, from Ashford University Online LibraryLaurie, J. (2008). Historic preservation and cluster-based economic development. EconomicDevelopment Journal, 7(1), 38. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from Ashford University Online LibraryTreinen, M. (2004). Opposing forces but mutual enablers: reconciling corporate politics with the preservation of Iowa's historic buildings. Journal Of Corporation Law, 29(4), 819-838. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from Ashford University Online LibraryMurtagh, W.J. (1988). Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., p. 168. Retrieved March 6, 2014, from http://preservationinpink.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/historic-preservation-quotes/