The most interesting architectural phenomenon of the 1970’s was the enthusiasm for refurbishing old buildings. Obviously, this was not an entirely1 new phenomenon. What is new is the wholesale2 interest in reusing the past, in recycling, in adaptive rehabilitation3. A few trial efforts, such as Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, proved their financial viability4 in 1960s, but it was in the 1970’s, with strong government support through tax incentives5 and rapid depreciation6. As well as growing interest in ecology issues, that recycling became a major factor on the urban scene. One of the most comprehensive ventures was the restoration and transformation7 of Boston’s eighteenth century Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market, designed in 1824. This section had fallen on hard times, but beginning with the construction of a new city hall immediately adjacent, it has returned to life with the intelligent reuse of these fine old buildings under the design leadership of Benjamin Thomson. He has provided a marvelous setting for dining, shopping, professional offices, and simply walking.
Butler Square, in Minneapois, examplifies its complex of offices, commercial space, and public amenities8 carved out of a massive pile designed in 1906 as a hardware warehouse9. The exciting interior timber structure of the building was highlighted by cutting light courts through the interior and adding large skylights. San Antonio, Texas, offers an object lesson for numerous other cities combating urban decay. Rather than bringing in the bulldozers, San Antonio’s leaders rehabilitated10 existing structures, while simultaneously11 cleaning up the San Antonio River, which menders through the business district.