Understanding the social, political, economic, and cultural factors related to a site, neighborhood or community is essential for accurate interpretation. Historical research is important because it allows us to understand the present by examining the past, providing context to current social, political, and cultural dynamics, and learning from past successes and failures to make informed decisions about the future; essentially, it helps us grasp how current conditions came to be and identify patterns that can inform solutions to contemporary problems.

CPC believes that Historic Research is an essential first step to any planning or cultural heritage project. Included in all the work we do, recent or ongoing projects where CPC has performed Historic Research include Gateway Jax’s $500 million Pearl Street District in Downtown Jacksonville, FL, a neighborhood revitalization implementation strategy for the historic Durkeeville community in Jacksonville, cultural heritage trails in Jacksonville and Gainesville, FL, and a National Historic Landmark study in American Beach, Nassau County, FL.