Preserving Our Heritage: Understanding Preservation Easements

Preservation easements are powerful tools in conservationists' and heritage enthusiasts' arsenal. They offer a legal mechanism to safeguard historic sites and cultural landmarks for future generations. This lecture delves into the intricacies of preservation easements, exploring their importance, mechanics, and implications.

This lecture, led by Preservation Utah’s own Historic Properties Program Manager, Robyn, covers the fundamental concepts underlying preservation easements. Including the legal concept of easements and how they are utilized in the context of preservation. The critical role preservation easements play in protecting historic buildings and neighborhoods. The legal framework surrounding preservation easements includes establishing, monitoring, and enforcing these agreements. We will examine the benefits and challenges associated with preservation easements from the perspectives of property owners, communities, and conservation organizations.

You will learn about a real-world example of how Preservation Utah’s easement program has had and continues to positively impact the neighborhood, the Marmalade District.

Whether you're a seasoned preservationist, a property owner considering a preservation easement, or simply intrigued by the intersection of law, history, and stewardship, this lecture offers invaluable insights into the vital role preservation easements play in shaping our collective heritage and ensuring the sustainability of our architectural resources. 

About Robyn

Raised in a rural Massachusetts town incorporated in 1735, Robyn’s favorite pastime was exploring rubble foundations in the forest and creepy basements and visiting the living history sites in the surrounding towns. Her dream was to replace Bob Villa as host of This Old House one day! She was drawn to the Western Regional Architecture Program at the University of Utah and achieved her B.S. in Architectural Design with Emphasis in Historic Preservation in 1997. She enjoyed over two decades in the architecture and structural engineering industry before getting back to her preservation roots by joining Preservation Utah in October 2023.