The Transformation of Place: Historic Theme Development in Small Town Commercial Districts
Paradis, Thomas Wayne
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/85161
Description
Title
The Transformation of Place: Historic Theme Development in Small Town Commercial Districts
Author(s)
Paradis, Thomas Wayne
Issue Date
1997
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Jakle, John A.
Department of Study
Geography
Discipline
Geography
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Geography
Language
eng
Abstract
Small towns have found it difficult to maintain their business districts as important community centers, given that economic restructuring has undermined the traditional economic and social roles of main street. In the face of past decline, communities across the United States are in the process of re-orienting their downtowns to new roles and functions. The process of downtown revitalization often involves the conservation of historic resources in an effort to attract tourists as well as local residents. While much scholarly attention has been paid to the redevelopment of metropolitan downtowns, few researchers have focused on the efforts of smaller communities to revive their main streets. This study investigates the process of small town redevelopment through a study of three Midwestern communities dependent to varying degrees on tourism for their economic welfare. Examined is the role of place attachment, or sense of place, in the shaping of local interest groups which push various agendas for the transformation of downtown. A model, based on Allen Pred's theory of place, is introduced and utilized for an analysis of the transformation process.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
