Commonwealth's approach to revitalizing historic communities combines heritage conservation with economic renewal. Comprehensive planning addresses the needs of local residents, historic buildings, streetscapes and landscapes, and the natural environment. Principles of sustainable urban development are applied in a cultural, social, and economic context.
Our Zhongshan Road Neighbourhood Rehabilitation Project in Qingdao, China, supported by CIDA, plans for the sustainability of a community in a global context. Our conservation plan for Falmouth, Jamaica, funded by the OAS, proposed ways of protecting residents' property ownership while inviting foreign investment. And the Heritage Canada Main Street Program, whose first Director is a principal of Commonwealth, struck a successful balance between building conservation and economic restructuring. Commonwealth,
   
 
struck a successful balance between building conservation and economic restructuring.
Community approval is achieved through a program of stakeholder consultation. Commonwealth regularly includes client workshops, public meetings, and interviews as key components of revitalization plans.