As of September 1, here’s the look at 1910 North 3rd. Our mason has completed the reconstruction of the two original chimneys. In recent years only one chimney has extended through the roof, but the column of brick existed for both, plus photographic evidence of the chimneys’ look. Next will be the shingles, going on this week.

Premieres at the Paramount September 9th at 7pm

Jay Moore’s documentary series, “History in Plain Sight” continues with the next eagerly anticipated installment: Wooten. Mr. H.O. Wooten is legendary in Abilene for building the Wooten Hotel, Abilene’s tallest building for many years, and what remains as its most opulent movie palace, the Paramount. You’re invited to attend a free premiere of the video at the Paramount on the night of September 9th at 7:00 p.m. The video will begin running on AISD-TV Channel 7 (Suddenlink Cable) after that. Copies of this DVD and the other three installments will be available at the Abilene Preservation League in the Elks Arts Center, 1174 North First Street, M-F during business hours.

J.D. Magee house from southeast, July 22, 2010, showing cypress columns removed in foreground.

The framer has really moved fast, and as you can see from yesterday’s photos, the roof is on–at least the felt part. The wraparound porch has been removed and will be reconstructed to be more like the original. The four majestic columns have been taken down for restoration and the capitals are safely inside the house. We’re currently getting prices on the painting. The new lead paint rules are something we’ll need to learn about. Shingles should be coming before too long.

J.D. Magee house from front, July 22, 2010

Cindy Deegan spoke some poignant words in her acceptance of the $700 first place prize for the Deegan’s home at 302 Riverside Dr. The house was vacant for more than four years before the Deegans adopted it and went to work. Sons Robert and John helped, often driving in from Austin. “We love broken things,” Cindy said. See the winning houses here.

Don’t miss next year, with another set of interesting homes. It will be Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

“The Preservation League at the Swenson House has benefited greatly from a number of Eagle Scout leadership projects which have enhanced the grounds,” said Bill Minter, Executive Director of the League. “Beginning with Hudson Beard’s restoration of the fish pond, which had not had any water in it for more than 60 years, there have been five Scouts to date who have completed their projects,” Minter said. “We are so grateful for the work these Scouts have done, and want to recognize the good that the organization does through the area governing council, the Texas Trails Council.”

Tickets to the luncheon are available for $45, or a table of eight for $500. Reservations may be made online or by calling the APL offices at 325-676-3775.

In Memphis: new homes compatible with early 20th century designs

Recently in Memphis, we toured the historic Midtown area, home to the Evergreen historic district. Along with the mix of early 20th century homes was a brand new development of homes that were designed to be harmonious with the surrounding community. The shot at right shows one of them. Every lot was sold and every home was occupied by people who are taking great care of them. Such a shift in development trends is great for preservation!

The work can be either from the recent past or simply a recognition of good maintenance practices over a long period of time.

The intent is to recognize families who have increased their home’s attractiveness and its contribution to the overall desirability of the neighborhood.

Today’s young families can rarely afford a new $150,000 “starter house” in one of the outlying neighborhoods. They need encouragement and examples of successful rehabilitations in older neighborhoods. This will contribute to a realization of the city’s infill goals, and it is more environmentally sustainable.

The result is more stable neighborhoods and increasing the ratio of homeowners to rental property in our historic neighborhoods.

• There is beginning to be a significant push for, and acceptance of, density in development.
• A rapidly increasing shift to using public transportation
• A renewed interest in neighborhood schools
• More multigenerational households
• A rather ominous use of historic designation as a NIMBY tool

Rypkema goes on to identify ten risks for the future that need to be addressed carefully. For example, the “green building movement” people need to be educated that there is nothing green about tearing down a historic building to replace with a “green” building. The article is available here

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