How is Historic Preservation Valuable?
"The idea that there is some continuity between what I was experiencing and what people over a thousand years before me likely experienced made a powerful impression on me. I felt as if I had a window in to life in the year 400 and that I had a shared sense of experience with those who lived then." ~Eric Nathan, Composer March 4, 2015
Preservation Month gives the opportunity for communities to dedicate a tangible period of time and thought to the importance of fighting for preservation: to cause important change, educate and inspire. Historical Preservation builds communities, as like-minds ban together in perseverance of a common goal to connect the lessons of history with the evolution of the present. Each person can dedicate to furthering preservation by helping to raise awareness, support petitioning teams, and merely by showing up. Be present and support spaces that matter. When they are lost, there is no amount of money or effort that will adequately inspire, crossing all human boundaries of time and profession, as historical spaces do. Individuals with a voice and interest in action, who cause means and ways for historical preservation create a very powerful team.
Restoration Opportunities Realized
From historic item scavenger hunts and races, to volunteers performing hands-on restoration, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (Preservation Nation) inspires community awareness, as many states celebrate Preservation Month, 2015. The office of Historic Preservation in San Antonio kicks of this month of activities to spotlight the importance of preservation with unique activities. Adult and children’s teams have gathered, with a list of architectural items to be discovered around town. These events suggested by Preservation Nation, not only create awareness of significant architectural features, but also promote personal connection to historical features otherwise unrecognized by younger generations. This may just inspire the power of identification needed to spur the same energy in neighboring towns as well.
Some Are Even For Sale
Multi-Use Zoning, $350,000, Minus Tax Credits
Will it revive Temple, TX?
Maybe a renewed interest in historical significance will bend the ear of an adventurous buyer to repurpose the Temple Plaza. While the 1928 Spanish Revival building’s history is mysteriously left out of descriptions, I am intrigued. Not just for what it was, but for what it could be. This 6-story building could house education providing innovative technology courses to children of all backgrounds. Could it serve to house another purpose just as meaningful, enticing a well-rounded crowd of people to revitalize the rest of the town in the process? Anything is possible, as Temple Plaza is currently listed for sale.
Listed on the National Register of Historic places, Temple Plaza is eligible for substantial tax credits for certified rehabilitation. The rest could be crowdfunded. The agent describes the building as a space that housed “The prominent professional address in downtown Temple, Texas for 70 years." Priced at $350,000, the multi-use zoned building could offer community revitalization to Texas, on a plane equal to Buffet Place & Theater Gates' Communities are to Chicago, and Teachers Village is to New Jersey.
Related: A Homeless Billionaire and A Teacher's Village
Historic Preservation Versus Demolition
Could preservation impede progress? Ask Chicago.
One fact remains static: Anything is possible where collective voices act. In an era of technological advancement and building innovation, some may question the motivation of others to preserve important spaces. The Historic Cook County Hospital in Chicago is an excellent example. This massive building served as the site of Hollywood's The Fugitive and ER. But, more importantly, it served a key role in medical advancement. Recognized as one of the world’s master teaching hospitals, site for discovery of disease and treatment, the Cook County Hospital also innovated trauma and burn units. 
Now called Stroger Hospital, it was also the site of America’s first blood bank. So, while to some, it may seem to be a huge encroachment of valuable space, according to Preservation Nation, many others consider it “Chicago’s Statue of Liberty”. The battle to save Old Cook County began in 2004, as the historic hospital was named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places. But, the County still maintained the $13.6million demolition plans, until Landmarks Illinois commissioned a compelling reuse plan. The reuse plan and incredible public opposition created the delay of demolition. January 9, 2015 Cook County issued the Market Rate RFP seeking distinguished develop teams to redevelop the medical district. Now, the goal is to maximize the county care and education profits, while also leveraging the real estate value from the available land. Landmarks Illinois and the public, who voiced their opposition, compile the collective power of many individuals. Crowdfund Crowdbuild, and when it is important, Crowdspeak!
Related: The Ripple Effect of Real Estate Rehab
Frank Applegate’s Historical Home Preserved
For Sale in Santa Fe, NM
Frank Applegate's homeApplegate was a champion for the restoration of Spanish Architecture. It is no surprise that the artist’s personal home was deemed a historic site many years later. Built in 1921, his home is one of the original homes of the Pueblo Revival Movement, now commonly known as Santa Fe-Style. One of the most sententious homes in Santa Fe, it is for sale after being in the same family for 45 years. Listed this February, 2015, for $950,000, the home has maintained the authenticity of Applegate’s priceless style.
Noted artistic rebels of their time, Fremont Ellis, Ansel Adams, Will Schuster, and Walter Mruk were among Frank Applegate’s friends. Wouldn’t you have liked to be a fly on the wall, soaking in the modernist conversations of their time? Symbolic of originality, “Camino del Monte Sol” housed more than a man. It housed the minds of timeless artistic conviction that continues to inspire.
Related: Starchitecture Vs. Architecture
Taking Action Is Easier than You May Think
"This Place Matters"
Allow the month of May to create pause and consider the power of historical restoration in revitalizing communities. Lend purpose to reusing that which already exists, and restoring that which we may always need. And, pass your inspiration on, by getting directly involved. First identify a place that matters to you, one that has touched your life in some way, then bring public attention to it:
- Download & Print National Trust for Historic Preservation's "This Place Matters" sign.
- Take a photo with it in front of a place that you are passionate about.
- Share it online with the hashtag #ThisPlaceMatters.
SavingPlaces will feature their favorites on Instagram and Twitter.
"It's only money." is a phrase that doesn't need to be far from imagination. The power of the crowd brings the realization that it IS only money. Once you share your Place That Matters with others, and educate them of the value and precarious future, you'll have a chance to connect with others who share the same passion. Together, start a real estate crowdfunding campaign. Choose the right venue for your project, by considering submitting your funding need to a crowdfunding for real estate think tank, such as the VICN (Virtual Incubator & Crowdfunding Network). As the awareness builds, be careful where you stand. Your empowered community will gather to follow the infectious inspiration that you have created. Stand tall, or stand on the internet, so the rest of your new-found team can find you. Take action to save a place that matters!
What role will real estate crowdfunding play in the future of historic preservation? Do you think preservation ever impedes forward progress? Leave a comment and let us know how you feel.
For more information about peer lending and real estate crowdfunding take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions we receive on a daily basis. Download the Top 10 Crowdfunding Questions and discover how crowdfunding real estate can help save a historic preservation.
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