Historic preservation seems like a noble enough endeavor, but all too often the wheels of development roll right over it.
Events such as Colorado Preservation Inc.’s annual Saving Places 2011 conference, beginning Wednesday, largely focus on arming preservationists with the tools they need to go to battle on behalf of old buildings. But this year, organizers also plan to celebrate five successfully restored sites.
“Exploring the Benefits of Preservation” is the theme of the two-day conference, which includes workshops, tours and forums on the positive impact of historic preservation. Featured speakers include Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The event is ideal for people who “would like to be involved and help play a role in preserving their neighborhood” or an at-risk old building but don’t know how, says conference manager JoAnna Chrisco.
Colorado Preservation Inc. traditionally identifies historic places in need of help at the conference. But this year for the first time, the agency will name five “Saved Sites.”
“A Saved Site represents this incredible investment of time and energy and money,” says Patrick Eidman, program manager of CPI’s Endangered Places Program. “We’re trying to do a better job of celebrating the Saved Sites.”
Here is a look at those five historic preservation success stories. For more information about registering for Saving Places 2011 and a detailed schedule, visit .
