Michael Tomlan

Michael Tomlan is a Professor and Historic Preservation Planning Coordinator in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. He teaches courses in documentation, preservation practice, urban change, and real estate, and serves as faculty editor of the Cornell Real Estate Review.

Research Interests: His work spans historic preservation, architectural history, adaptive reuse, community-based planning, real estate development, and international conservation. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches linking planning, economics, and cultural values. His research explores the intersections of preservation, religion, sustainability, and participatory planning.

Publications & Trends: His publications reflect a focus on the evolving challenges of heritage conservation, ethical considerations in preservation, and rural-industrial cultural landscapes. Key themes include equity, sustainability, and the role of preservation in shaping urban and regional identity.

• Scientific Awards:
• Elected to the College of Fellows for the Association for Preservation Technology International (2005)

Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, he mentors graduate students through the preservation planning program and real estate research. He leads student teams in national real estate competitions and supervises research projects published in the Cornell Real Estate Review. He has secured professional engagement through consulting and editorial roles.

Labs and Teams: He is actively involved with the National Council for Preservation Education as project director and leads Historic Urban Plans, Inc. in Ithaca. He also chairs the board of Yosothor in Cambodia and previously advised the Global Heritage Fund, reflecting sustained international collaboration in heritage conservation.