Downtown development, including the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, as well as new and infill development, is vital for our downtowns to be able to meet current and future needs. Not only is it a greener way to grow, since critical infrastructure systems such as water, sewer and electric are usually already present, but it also helps create appropriately dense development, nurturing a vibrant social fabric, while marrying our historic past with new technological advances in sustainability, safety and amenities.