"Draft Takoma Central District Plan Potential Planning Approach", 2000.

The first railway commuter suburb dating to the 1880s, Takoma was conceived and founded by developer, Benjamin F. Gilbert who sought to embody the ideal qualities of rural life while maintaining a proximity to the city. Today, Takoma faces the challenges of most historic communities concerned about maintaining the scale, density, and charm that make Takoma unique in the city in the face of proposed development.

EHT Traceries, as preservation consultant to the Smith Group, prepared the Historic Preservation Assessment sections of the Takoma Central District Plan. The firm identified issues of landmark designation, evaluated building significance and condition, and assessed impacts of proposed planning strategies on historic resources. The firm worked closely with the project team to define and clearly articulate Takoma community goals and to develop a development guide that provides the community with a framework to assess the compatibility of development in the metro area and elsewhere within the Central District. Through a process that encouraged active citizen participation, the project team conducted a series of workshops and design charettes helping to further define and articulate community goals and visions.