Historic architecture is an essential element of Princeton’s physical presence today. The town’s extraordinary legacy of historic buildings reflects three centuries of community growth and change. Historic preservation provides a way to ensure that Princeton’s built environment represents the best of both the past and the present, and thus helps to make Princeton a dynamic and desirable place to live and work. Protecting historic buildings from demolition and ensuring the compatibility of building alterations and new construction within the local historic districts preserves the essential character of the community and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. In addition, historic preservation benefits property and business owners by enhancing real estate values and helping to create a vibrant downtown. People from around the world visit Princeton to explore and enjoy our historic sites. By being good stewards of our historic sites, we enrich everyone’s experience of our town, today and for generations to come.