John Mayer and McG purchased the historic Chaplin Studios for $44 million, aiming to preserve its legacy while upgrading its facilities. They emphasize maintaining the studio's unique character and history, including Chaplin-era artifacts, and plan to use it for creative productions and events, blending preservation with modern use. Their goal is to protect a cultural landmark and foster a vibrant creative community in Los Angeles.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued President Trump to halt his White House ballroom project, arguing it bypasses required reviews and congressional approval, and seeking to stop further work until proper procedures are followed. The White House defends the project as within Trump's legal authority, citing historical precedents, but critics highlight concerns over the bypassing of federal laws and public input processes.
The East Wing of the White House has been demolished to make way for Donald Trump's $300 million gilded ballroom, despite promises to preserve the existing structure and legal challenges from historic preservation groups and local residents. The project, funded by Trump and major tech donors, has faced criticism for bypassing required approvals and altering a historic landmark.
The White House East Wing has been demolished to make way for a new $300 million ballroom, despite concerns from preservationists and pending approvals from relevant agencies, with President Trump funding the project privately.
A historic preservation group has urged the Trump administration to pause the demolition of the White House East Wing, which is underway to make room for a new ballroom, citing concerns over the impact on the building's historic integrity and lack of public review. Despite these concerns, the project continues, with supporters emphasizing it as a necessary improvement to the White House.
Experts are concerned about the feasibility and historic preservation of President Trump's proposed $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom renovation at the White House, planned to be completed before 2029, questioning whether such a large-scale project can be done while respecting the building's historic integrity.
Istanbul faces a significant earthquake risk due to its location on active fault lines, threatening its historic structures and residents. Efforts to reinforce key sites like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Zeyrek Cinili Hamam are underway, but political, financial, and preservation challenges hinder comprehensive protection. Experts emphasize the urgency of implementing advanced mitigation measures to prevent catastrophic damage and loss of life.
TF Cornerstone has acquired control of the Wanamaker building in Philadelphia and plans to convert floors 6 to 12 into 600 loft apartments, while maintaining retail, office, and public spaces, with construction starting in 2026. The project aims to preserve the building's historic features and boost local vibrancy.
A historic Japanese American fishing village on Terminal Island, which played a key role in developing Southern California's seafood industry, faces demolition to make way for container storage, prompting efforts to preserve its remaining buildings and legacy amid ongoing debates and recognition as an endangered historic site.
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last surviving grandson of President John Tyler, passed away at 96. He was a chemical engineer and dedicated to preserving his family's historic sites, including Sherwood Forest and Fort Pocahontas in Virginia. Tyler was known for his charm, philanthropy, and efforts to maintain his family's legacy, including significant donations to William & Mary and preservation projects.
The Centenary Building at Salford University, an award-winning structure that received the RIBA Stirling Prize in 1996, is set to be demolished after being vacant for several years. The university cites its ageing infrastructure as the reason, despite criticism from architect Stephen Hodder and the Twentieth Century Society, who argue for its preservation due to its architectural significance and potential for adaptive reuse. The decision has sparked debate over sustainability and the preservation of modern architectural heritage.
Core Redevelopment transformed the abandoned Bush Stadium in Indianapolis into the Stadium Lofts, a luxury apartment complex with 138 units, for $14 million. The project, which preserved many original stadium features, was completed in under two years and has been fully leased since its opening in 2013. The developers also built an additional 144 apartments in the adjacent Stadium Flats.
The Michigan Central Station in Detroit has undergone a dramatic $950 million restoration by Ford, transforming the once-decayed landmark into a beautifully restored site. Before-and-after photos highlight the extensive renovations, including the restoration of the Great Hall's ceiling, the concourse's steel and glass ceiling, and the return of the historic train clock. The project also preserved some urban art as a nod to the station's history.
During the renovation of Michigan Central Station, workers discovered a letter in a bottle from 1913, along with other artifacts like old shoes and train tickets. The handwritten note was from two men who worked on the station, and archivists are now trying to trace their families. The renovation is expected to be completed by early 2023.
The historic Palace Theater in New York City has undergone an $80 million renovation, including being hoisted 30 feet higher to make room for retail space below and a hotel above. The theater, which has hosted iconic performances and artists for over a century, is set to reopen with initial bookings for "Tammy Faye" and a concert residency by Ben Platt. The renovation preserved the theater's landmarked interior, added more restroom capacity, widened seats, and improved accessibility, while also creating a grander entrance and modernizing the lighting and backstage areas.
