Planning for the Preserve Iowa Summit (June 6-8) is underway. Session proposals from preservation practitioners from across Iowa, and beyond, have been received. The State Historic Preservation Office is thrilled with the quality of the submitted proposals.
Locally, several sessions have been submitted. Historic Preservation Commission Chair Larry Hurto plans to provide two sessions on local history (one of which is a walking tour). Planning & Zoning Director Erin Chambers will lead a session on the role of collaboration in preservation. Hatch Development group is planning a session on the Hotel Maytag redevelopment and Goldfinch Growth will lead a session on their rehabilitation project for the former Jasper County garage.
In addition, the keynote speaker has been selected. Bernice Radle, Buffalove Development, is a developer, preservationist, urban planner, and activist from Buffalo, NY. She works to revitalize neighborhoods and districts one building at a time. Her work connects perfectly with our conference theme, “Reinvention through Rehabilitation.”
To learn more about her and her company visit: https://www.buffalovedevelopment.com/speaking
After the first of the year, the conference planning team will get serious about lining up local volunteers to make sure the conference runs smoothly. Mark your calendar and let Erin Chambers (erinc@newtongov.org) know if you are interested and willing to help out.
Finally, “Save the Date” cards are rolling off the printer (completed by the State Historic Preservation Office). Historic Preservation Commissioners will be personally distributing those to interested citizens with an in preservation in the coming month. The conference is open to anyone who has an interest in history, preservation, revitalization, and historic downtowns. Attendees don’t have to serve on a commission or work in the field.
