Since its founding in 1974, RAP has been an advocate for active preservation of our neighborhood’s historic assets. Historic preservation is much more than saving old buildings. Modern preservation efforts are about saving the heart of communities, ensuring vibrant, special places full of character. This means looking beyond architecture to what makes historic towns and neighborhoods thrive – actively used historic buildings, healthy businesses, and community gathering spaces being paramount. The challenge of balancing preservation with progress is an enduring one. When historic buildings are allowed to deteriorate or are torn down, or when our historic street grid is eliminated, a part of our past disappears forever. When that happens, we lose history that helps us know who we are, and we lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting and attractive surroundings that older buildings provide. As a response to this need, the organization’s board and staff work with residents, businesses, the city planning and zoning departments, and other preservation groups in Jacksonville and Florida to ensure that our history, cultural heritage, and economic viability remain intact. We are proud to be an official partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation through the Preservation Partners Network. RAP is proud to be an active supporter of our community's quality of life, bringing educational programming to residents and business owners, working to enhance our parks and streetscapes, and hosting events such as Home Tour, Luminaria and the Riverside Arts Market.