Paducah to host historic preservation conference

Event is from Oct. 23-25

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2014) — Historic preservation is the subject of the “Preservation Tools and Strategies” scheduled from Oct. 23-25 in Paducah. The conference showcase historic buildings and neighborhoods downtown as well as being the focal point for a regional discussion on the future of historic preservation in Kentucky.

Parts of the conference are free, while others have a fee.

Free events, scheduled for Oct. 25, will be held at the Maiden Alley Cinema and River Discovery Center. The online registration deadline to reserve seat is Oct. 17, but register will be accepted at the door.

Free events:

 9-10 a.m.

• “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 a.m.

• “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 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

• A 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.

1:30-2:20 p.m.

• 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 p.m.

• A hands-on building design demonstration 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.

“Historic Preservation 101 for Real Estate Professionals,” on marketing and selling historic properties, will open the conference, from 9 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. CDT 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 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT Friday, Oct. 24, will feature speakers representing the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. The cost is $40.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on 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.