Discussion Questions: Washington D.C. History Matters

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Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment

Discussion Questions

Review the Don't Tear It Down flier and the stated objectives of that organization. Compare those with the objectives and mission described on the website of the D.C. Preservation League. How have the goals and objectives changed? Remained the same? Based on the history described on the website, how would you say the organization has done in meeting its stated goals?
Compare the 1981 Statement of Max Berry of PADC and that year's testimony by Karen Gordon with Don't Tear It Down. How do the two views differ?
Compare the Historic Landmark Map from PADC's 1974 Plan with the document titled Replanning for Pennsylvania Avenue prepared by John Wiebenson. Which is more favorable to the idea of historic preservation?
Consider the objectives outlined by John Wiebenson during his Congressional testimony in 1971. How well were those objectives achieved according to his follow up testimony eleven years later? How did the relations with and actions of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation impact the achievement of the stated goals?
In 1965, Louis Justement made a Statement before the Committee of 100 voicing concerns about creating a government entity to oversee redevelopment of Pennsylvania Avenue. Review the testimony in the following documents: 1981 Testimony by Karen Gordon; Suggested Law Changes; Testimony of the Metropolitan Washington Planning and Housing Association. Do you think Justement was proven justified in his concerns?
The Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation's 1982 Historic Preservation Plan states in its opening paragraph that it is presenting preservation oriented goals for Congressional consideration. Review this document, and determine if these goals are truly intended to advance the preservation of historic landmarks.
Both John Wiebenson's Testimony before a Senate Committee in 1971 about the Old Post Office, and the Testimonial History of the Warner Theater are efforts to preserve historic structures. Compare and contrast these two, very different approaches to the preservation argument.