The city of Paducah will serve as both a backdrop and learning lab for the “Preservation Tools and Strategies” conference Oct. 23-25, showcasing historic buildings and neighborhoods downtown as well as being the focal point for a regional discussion on the future of historic preservation in Kentucky.
Free events geared to the public will take place from 9 am to 3:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 25, at Maiden Alley Cinema and River Discovery Center.
9-10 am
“Sustainability and Historic Preservation: Capturing Embodied Energies and Improving Efficiency of Historic Buildings,” including adaptive reuse within the LEED point system, and National Park Service Technical Preservation Services guidance for planning passive, mechanical and weatherization strategies.
“Preservation Engagement in Western Kentucky,” introducing participants to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and how the public can become actively involved in the consulting parties process pertaining to federally funded projects that impact historic resources.
10:10-11:10 am
“Money for Historic Buildings through Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits,” for buildings listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
"Boost Your Economic Engine,” exploring how heritage tourism generates more money per visitor than other types of tourism, and how communities can tap into this lucrative segment by identifying cultural assets and planning for their preservation.
11:20 am to 12:20 pm
Panel discussion, “Be the Future of the Past in Kentucky,” will kick off the public input phase that will guide development of a new five-year historic preservation plan for Kentucky. Panelists will be Craig Potts, Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC) executive director and state historic preservation officer; Chris Black of Ray Black & Son, Paducah, and KHC member; Michael Ann Williams, head of the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology at Western Kentucky University; and Betsy Hatfield, executive director of Preservation Kentucky Inc.
1:30 to 2:30 pm
A keynote address will focus on revitalization of the LowerTown Arts District and Fountain Avenue neighborhood, including recommendations from “Walkable City” author Jeff Speck and how others can use these examples locally to revitalize their central business districts. Presenters will be Steve Ervin, Paducah director of planning; Charles Doherty, Paducah community development planner/Fountain Avenue project coordinator; and Sharon Poat, executive director of the Midtown Alliance of Neighbors.
2:30 to 3:30 pm
A hands-on building design demonstration will follow with a guided walking tour through the Paducah Market House and Paducah Downtown Commercial National Register historic districts, demonstrating how mixed-use commercial buildings are key to creating a sense of place in historic downtowns.
To register, visit http://goo.gl/63wxSr, or see www.heritage.ky.gov for more details.
The conference is for owners of historic buildings, members of architectural review boards and preservation commissions, local officials and anyone interested in community preservation. It is the fourth and final presentation in the 2014 Kentucky Preservation Series, presented by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office in partnership with Preservation Kentucky Inc., the Kentucky Main Street Program, Paducah Main Street and city of Paducah.
“Historic Preservation 101 for Real Estate Professionals,” on marketing and selling historic properties, will open the conference, from 9 am to 2:20 pm Thursday, Oct. 23, offering four credit hours (two law) for real estate agents and architects. The cost is $55.
“Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP)” training, 9 am to 4:30 pm Friday, Oct. 24, will feature speakers representing the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. The cost is $40.
From 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday, Oct. 24, registered participants will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Mary Jane, a historic home in the LowerTown Arts District owned by Janet Levinson. The reception is hosted by Preservation Kentucky, Paducah Main Street and the city of Paducah, and sponsored by Ray Black & Son and Independence Bank. Seating is limited.
Information provided by Pam Spencer, Public Information Officer and Melinda Winchester, Paducah Main Street.
