Main Spotlight: How to Rehabilitate a Historic Building
Becky Axilbund, Executive Director at Main Street Middletown, MD Inc., shares lessons learned from their renovation of two downtown buildings.
Nevada, Iowa © Main Street America
As May unfolds, it brings with it a moment of nostalgia and reverence for our past. It’s Preservation Month, a time to reflect on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and exploring the stories around us, not only in the buildings that stand tall but also in the ones that have faded through neglect or live on in our memories. In this blog post, I will delve into the importance of historic preservation for downtown or neighborhood commercial district revitalization, the essence of place-keeping in maintaining the identity of our towns and cities, the importance of telling the full American story, and how examining the people and places that no longer exist alongside those that still thrive help us celebrate our present — and shape our future — through historic preservation.
Why Historic Preservation Matters to Revitalization
Preservation of historic assets can play a significant role in the creation and cultivation of a vibrant and beautiful downtown or neighborhood commercial district. Here are some of the ways that historic preservation can improve your Main Street.
Cultural Identity and Heritage
Historic buildings along our Main Streets tell the story of our collective past. They are tangible reminders of the events, people, and movements that shaped our communities. By preserving these structures, we maintain a connection to our roots and provide future generations with a window into our cultural heritage.
Economic Benefits
Historic preservation is not just about preserving the past: it’s also about investing in the future. Revitalizing historic buildings can breathe new life into downtown areas — attracting businesses, tourists, and residents. Restored buildings often become focal points for commerce, contributing to the community’s economic vitality.
Sustainable Development
Historic preservation promotes sustainable development practices by repurposing existing buildings rather than demolishing them. It reduces the environmental impact of new construction and helps conserve resources by utilizing existing infrastructure.
Sense of Place
Main Streets are more than just physical locations; they are symbols of community pride and identity. Historic preservation helps to maintain their unique character, preserving charm and authenticity. Whether it’s the ornate facades of century-old storefronts or a bright and colorful theatre marquee, these features contribute to the distinctive sense of place that draws people to Main Street.
Participación comunitaria
Preserving historic places fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members. When residents are actively involved in the preservation process, it strengthens social bonds and promotes a shared sense of responsibility for the upkeep of their Main Street.
A plaque on the Thelma Joyce Osteen Comfort Station in Lansing, Michigan, honoring the building’s namesake © Lisa Thompson
Examining the People and Places That No Longer Exist
Historic preservation goes beyond protecting and restoring the buildings that remain — it can also mean remembering and uplifting the ones we have lost to time. It is also important to go beyond the bricks and uncover the stories of the people who shaped our communities before us.
Lost Landmarks
Main Streets are dotted with landmarks that have stood the test of time, but they are also marked by the absence of those that have vanished. Whether lost to fire, demolition, or neglect, these buildings hold a special place in our collective memory. Through photographs, oral histories, and archival research, we can pay homage to these lost landmarks and ensure that their legacy endures.
Forgotten Stories
Behind every building is a story waiting to be told. Historic preservation allows us to uncover the hidden histories of Main Streets, from the businesses that once thrived to the individuals who left their mark on the community. By piecing together these forgotten stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our past and the lessons they hold for the future.
Telling the Full Story of Our Communities
As we engage in the process of historic preservation, it is important to keep the wider context of history in mind. It is important to uplift marginalized stories and voices, and to understand and celebrate the ways our communities have changed over time.
Embracing Diversity
Main Streets are a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and experiences. Historic preservation provides an opportunity to illuminate the diverse voices and narratives that have shaped our communities over time. By acknowledging the contributions of marginalized groups, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples, we ensure that the full spectrum of our heritage is preserved and celebrated.
Documenting Change
Change is inevitable, but through historic preservation, we can capture moments in time and preserve them for future generations. By documenting the evolution of Main Streets, from humble beginnings to present-day landscapes, we gain insight into the forces that have shaped our communities and the resilience of those who call it home.
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Kurt Cobain Tribute Gallery in Aberdeen, Washington © Lisa Thompson
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Nevada Evening Journal building in Nevada, Iowa © Lisa Thompson
Preservation Projects in Main Street Communities
Main Street Communities across the network have undertaken and completed amazing preservation projects that have enhanced their economic vitality, cultural resiliency, and sense of place. Here are two examples.
Adaptive Reuse of Nevada’s Evening Journal (Nevada, Iowa)
Built in 1910, the building was the longtime home to the Nevada Journal — the word “Journal” is proudly carved into the stone on the façade. Thanks to a $100,000 Main Street Challenge Grant from Iowa Main Street, the building is getting a new life as T.E. Alderman’s, a family-friendly restaurant with a variety of gluten free options. Building owner Tom Richards, a carpenter and woodworker, is preserving character-defining features while providing office space in the basement for the long-term service tenant that once occupied the storefront. This adaptive reuse project has not only preserved a piece of Nevada’s history, but it will also catalyze economic growth and revitalization along Main Street.
Remembering a Legend: Kurt Cobain (Aberdeen, Washington)
Loyal fans have always flocked to Aberdeen to experience Kurt Cobain’s hometown, but recently, local residents Lee and Dani Bacon realized there wasn’t much in town related to Cobain’s history. The Green Room and the Tribute Gallery are two pieces of an ongoing project that also includes the restoration of Cobain’s childhood home. The Green Room is a grunge-themed soft-industrial space that rehabilitated a downtown building. The Tribute Gallery will feature Cobain memorabilia, couches for visitors to enjoy, and other fun stuff for people interested in learning about Cobain’s life and the town he grew up in.
As we celebrate Historic Preservation Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving the character and heritage of Main Streets across America. By recognizing the importance of historic preservation to downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization, embracing the concept of place-keeping, and supporting preservation projects in our communities, we can ensure that Main Streets remain vibrant and thriving community centers for generations to come.
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