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Abstract
Post-Industrial site redevelopment is encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agencys brownfield policy which is based on environmental cleanup and the economic costs associated with its redesign. Current policy excludes the inherent historical value of post-industrial sites and their unique social and aesthetic attributes. This thesis explores the viability of incorporating a more holistic approach into existing US brownfield policy. Equal evaluation weight for the ecological, economic, social aesthetic components of redevelopment cumulate in a newly created matrix that is rooted in theory, interviews and a scholarly literature review. Seven case studies are analyzed for their proximity to the urban core, their varied redevelopment approach and the presence of both structures and contamination on-site. This matrix offers a new perspective for successful redevelopment and prompts conversations for designers, planners, developers, government entities and local communities about their role in brownfield redevelopment.