Along with a reported 2,000 to 3,000 others from across the country I attended the National Historic Preservation Conference in Tulsa the week of Oct. 21-25. This was the first time for Tulsa to host this prestigious event. Tulsa is considered one of the most important cities in the United States for its prominent Art Deco architecture which was highlighted at the conference.
One thing I noticed quickly; at least half those in attendance were under the age of 40, many under 30. So this subject of preservation is not solely the domain of us older Americans.
There were a dozen or more tours offered of Tulsa, Ponca City, Bartlesville, Sapulpa, Okmulgee, Muskogee, Oklahoma City and Route 66 east and west. I stayed put to take advantage of the educational sessions and the exhibit hall. There were about 30 educational sessions ranging from how to raise money for preservation efforts, the importance of endangered mid century architecture, connecting to the preservation constituency via the internet, using tax credits for preservation measures, calculating the true cost of demolition to a neighborhood, balancing progress and preservation in community planning, rural strategies for preservation and growth, etc.,
The exhibit hall was loaded with resources from preservation architects, historic window rebuilders, stained glass repair companies, displays of successful and ongoing preservation projects, information on soundproof windows, masonry experts doing demonstrations, old barn preservation methods and movements, tourism, small duct air conditioning systems for limited spaces and other such things. Talking with people who are deeply involved on the front lines of preservation and community sustainability is always insightful.
Preservation is not merely for the sake of preservation. It’s a means of making the best use of what we are fortunate enough to have in our communities. Taking care of what we have, adapting it to meet changing uses while maintaining the historic character is a way of maintaining our heritage. Often times much of a community’s reputation is tied to its built environment. Our built environment transcends and connects generations. Conversely when an historic property or neighborhood is torn down it serves to disconnect generations from a lifetime of memories and experience. Not all old buildings are historic or worthy of saving. But many that are thought to be unworthy are merely in need of a little overdue attention. As I heard often at this event, ‘If it makes sense to recycle newspapers and aluminum cans it makes infinitely more sense to recycle older buildings.’
Our purpose at the Downtown Cushing Main Street office is to call attention to and celebrate Cushing’s wonderful downtown area. We also offer to business and property owners resources such as business planning and review, interior design assistance, promotional help and architectural consultations at no cost to them. These are part of the benefits we enjoy by virtue of belonging to the Oklahoma Main Street Center network of communities.
The National Preservation Conference is just one of the educational opportunities we utilize to gain knowledge on issues pertinent to the downtown community.
For more information please call Rick at 225-2100.
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