| We often get telephone
calls and emails requesting us to stop a demolition of a historic
building. You should know that we make every effort possible to
reduce and stop demolitions, but it is almost impossible to really
halt demolitions unless a property is designated as a city landmark
or part of a designated district (the recent illegal demolition
in the West End is an unfortunate exception). With that stated,
the best we can sometimes do is educate property owners on the value
of historic buildings and initiate more landmark designations. For
the month of May 2006, Preservation Dallas is setting up events
that bring awareness to our built environment and to the role that
historic and architecturally significant buildings play in our community.
The Mayor and City Council will recognize Preservation Month on
Wednesday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber. Join us for
this special recognition that is occurring across the country in
partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
On Thursday, May 18 from 7–8 p.m., we join fellow preservationists
of Historic Fort Worth for a tour of Patterns of Progress at the
Amon Carter Museum. Nancy Paup and museum docents will give us an
introduction to the Bird's Eye view maps from the late 19th century
showing artists' sketches of Texas cities including ones prepared
for Dallas and Fort Worth. A Dutch–treat dinner will follow
at Baker Brothers Deli at 6333 Camp Bowie.
Then, Monday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the Wilson House, we will introduce
the photographs for member Jason Grant of Nostalgic Glass who will
exhibit and sell his images of the city's most endangered buildings.
His photographs of the Mercantile complex tell a compelling story
that you will want to see.
Finally, in late May, we release our 11 Most Endangered List of
historic properties and introduce our newest public assistance program.
Look for an email from Preservation Dallas with these announcements.
We encourage you to share your feelings about historic buildings
and areas with your elected council members. Come join us for all
these events.
W. Dwayne Jones
Executive Director
Preservation Dallas
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