"All across America, blocks of older, smaller buildings are quietly contributing to robust local economies and distinctive livable communities. ... Building on statistical analysis of the built fabric of three major American cities, the research demonstrates that established neighborhoods with a mix of older, smaller buildings perform better than districts with larger, newer structures when tested against a range of economic, social, and environmental outcome measures."
"Older, Smaller, Better Measuring how the character of buildings and blocks influences urban vitality" Report. (National Trust for Historic Preservation)

The "National Trust for Historic Preservation" website which has the report posted:
http://www.preservationnation.org/

The Report and its description can be found at this web page:
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/sustainable-communities/green-lab/oldersmallerbetter/
The "Older, Smaller, Better Measuring how the character of buildings and blocks influences urban vitality" Report can be downloaded from this link:
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/sustainable-communities/green-lab/oldersmallerbetter/report/NTHP_PGL_OlderSmallerBetter_ReportOnly.pdf

The "Older, Smaller, Better Measuring how the character of buildings and blocks influences urban vitality" Executive Summary can be downloaded form this link:
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/sustainable-communities/green-lab/oldersmallerbetter/report/NTHP_PGL_OlderSmallerBetter_ExecSummary.pdf
The "Older, Smaller, Better Measuring how the character of buildings and blocks influences urban vitality" Appendices can be downloaded from this link:
http://www.preservationnation.org/information-center/sustainable-communities/green-lab/oldersmallerbetter/report/NTHP_PGL_OlderSmallerBetter_Appendices.pdf