Reuse and repair of existing buildings preserves the fabric and culture heritage of a community. It can enable the continued habitation and use by a socioeconomic group who has been in the area for a long time, and maintain structures of historic significance. By helping residents repair existing housing through the availability of low cost, salvaged materials from similar structures, it can be a counter weight to the pressures of gentrification. Helping residents stay in their homes preserves cultural ties through proximity and continued social relationships. 

For more details on how deconstruction and material reuse can contribute to historic preservation, check out the report from the City of San Antonio and PlaceEconomics report: Treasure in the Walls. 

For more on preservation, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation webpage.