Building Notre Dame on PBS goes into fascinating detail about how one of the world’s most recognized and beloved buildings came to be.
Everything Old is Modern Again: Fair Park in Modciti Dallas
I recently had the chance to speak with Hardy Habberman and reminisce about Fair Park and what it meant, not just to the city as a whole, but specifically it’s impact on individuals like the two of us. You can find the article on page 30.
Dallas Innovates promotes the value of historic preservation
Another publication where the advantages of historic preservation are highlighted in a place where you would typically expect only to see accolades for new design and construction. A companion piece to the article I shared on Monday, this one focuses on the financial incentives available, tools we have been using for years. Some of the comments I provided to the previous article find their way into this one also.
NORMAN ALSTON architects
For the past 30 years, Norman Alston Architects has shown the possibilities that are available when important historic buildings and sites are thoughtfully preserved and equipped for modern, productive use. The firm has completed successful, award-winning restorations, renovations, and additions by demonstrating that preservation is economically advantageous, environmentally responsible and culturally invigorating. Our projects are often catalysts for redevelopment of the surrounding community. Successful projects range from important large structures in large urban areas to numerous small projects in rural communities where professional skills in historic preservation are often assumed to be unavailable.
The thoughtful, modern approach to rebuilding Notre Dame.
The full range of attitudes towards historic buildings has been on display this year as the world struggles with the response to the disastrous fire at Notre Dame. This article in refreshing in its thoughtful, informed approach and the wealth of useful information it contains. For we old building nerds, the discussion of ancient timber framing is engrossing.
NORMAN ALSTON architects
For the past 30 years, Norman Alston Architects has shown the possibilities that are available when important historic buildings and sites are thoughtfully preserved and equipped for modern, productive use. The firm has completed successful, award-winning restorations, renovations, and additions by demonstrating that preservation is economically advantageous, environmentally responsible and culturally invigorating. Our projects are often catalysts for redevelopment of the surrounding community. Successful projects range from important large structures in large urban areas to numerous small projects in rural communities where professional skills in historic preservation are often assumed to be unavailable.
Lakewood Theater conversion almost complete!
Historic Lakewood Theater now the home to Bowlski’s, the off-beat bowling center opening this Friday. Really, it works.
DFW Real Estate Review features Historic Preservation successes
Cover of the Spring 2019 DFW Real Estate Review
I have noted for the past few years that things have been changing in the Dallas area where historic preservation is concerned. As we work towards a culture where the default question is “Why not preserve?” as opposed to the current attitude of “Why preserve?”, it is encouraging to find publications like this. The DFW Real Estate Review would normally be expected to trumpet the the latest in new design and construction. In this edition, however, is a long and thoughtful examination of both the rising popularity of historic preservation and a serious discussion of the financial incentives that help to fuel this growth. I was honored and excited to be given an opportunity to contribute to this position.
NORMAN ALSTON architects
For the past 30 years, Norman Alston Architects has shown the possibilities that are available when important historic buildings and sites are thoughtfully preserved and equipped for modern, productive use. The firm has completed successful, award-winning restorations, renovations, and additions by demonstrating that preservation is economically advantageous, environmentally responsible and culturally invigorating. Our projects are often catalysts for redevelopment of the surrounding community. Successful projects range from important large structures in large urban areas to numerous small projects in rural communities where professional skills in historic preservation are often assumed to be unavailable.
An interview with Craig Spivey, owner of the new Bowlski's, nearing completion in the historic Lakewood Theater
An interview with Craig Spivey, creative genius behind the new Bowlski’s, soon to open in the historic Lakewood Theater.
The Ambassador is lost. What happens now?
The Ambassador Hotel, branded in 1907 as the Park Hotel. I won’t be showing photos of the fire or the aftermath. Photo courtesy of Flashback: Dallas.
With the tragic loss of the Ambassador Hotel, how do we now respond to the city that remains?
"Save our Buildings, Save Ourselves": A discussion of the importance of our historic downtowns
Early Sunday Morning by Edward Hopper, 1930
“Save Our Buildings, Save Ourselves”, An article by Jeff Siegler
St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York wins Award from AIA's Committee on the Environment
In the drive to modern sustainability, one of our most important historic buildings wins surprise recognition for its efforts.
Notre Dame should be rebuilt as it was: Franceso Bandarin points us in the right direction when considering how we respond →
Notre Dame as it was before the 15 April fire © Robin Garnier
This article from the The Art Newspaper cuts through the silliness swirling around the future of Notre Dame after last month’s tragic fire.
Lakewood Theater restoration receives 2019 Preservation Achievement Award
Relighting of the Lakewood Theater neon in December 2018
Lakewood Theater resumes its role as the proud symbol of a community.
The Power of Texas' Main Street Program - by the numbers
The Texas Main Street Program has been big help to communities who value their historic downtowns. Here’s an indication of how that value extends out and into the entire community.
Congratulations to the dedicated staffers at the Main Street offices and in all the Main Street communities across Texas. Find out more about the Texas Main Street Program.
Bianchi House unanimously approved for Landmark Designation by Dallas Landmark Commission
Bianchi House in its current condition.
Unique Bianchi House approved for landmark designation by Dallas’ Landmark Commission.
The Future meets the Past
Norman Alston preparing to address ARCH 1301.
The Future meets the Past. Norman Alston speaks about historic preservation to students at the University of Texas at Arlington.
William J. Murtagh, ‘pied piper’ of American historic preservation, dies at 95 - The Washington Post →
William Murtagh, The Washington Post
The passing of William Murtagh, first Keeper of the National Register
It's official! Fair Park First contract to manage Fair Park approved by Dallas City Council
Dallas City Council approves contract for Fair Park First to manage Fair Park.
Lakewood Theater: Inside the the lighted ball at the top
The lighted ball on the top of the big tower at Lakewood Theater. Here just taken down for restoration in mid-September 2018.
The inner workings of the lighted ball atop the Lakewood Theater Tower.
Fair Park National Historic Landmark management contract advances to the Dallas City Council.
Park Board President Bobby Abtahi (center) calls for a vote on sending the Fair Park First-Spectra contract to the City Council. (Shaban Athuman/Staff Photographer, Dallas Morning News)
Dallas Park Board votes to recommend to City Council the contract between Fair Park First and the City of Dallas for the long-term management of Fair Park National Historic Landmark.
Weekend fire devastates Brazil's National Museum
Credit: MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
An unimaginable tragedy as perhaps 20 million historic artifacts may have been lost.