What We Are Working On:
Summer 2011
Connecticut Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
State historic preservation offices (SHPOs) have to complete a statewide plan every five years or so and we are working with the Connecticut SHPO on their latest version. We are tackling such issues such as foreclosures, teardowns, and loss of rural heritage while also looking at the opportunities for rehabilitation as Baby Boomers and Gen Y professionals move back downtown. The project involves numerous public meetings, workshops and an on-line survey.
Wood Lake Battlefield Preservation Plan, Minnesota
As part of our ongoing work with the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), we are working on a preservation plan for the Wood Lake Battlefield in Minnesota. The Battle of Wood Lake was fought in September of 1862 and was the culminating engagement of the Dakota Uprising involving Minnesota soldiers and militia and the Dakota tribe. We are working with the ABPP and a statewide non-profit organization to analyze the battlefield and provide direction on protection, interpretation and future management.
Pittsburgh Historic Preservation Plan
Working as sub-consultants to T&B Planning, we are preparing Pittsburgh’s first historic preservation plan. Pittsburgh has some of the most extensive historic building stock in the country as reflected in its many distinctive neighborhoods and vibrant downtown area. Our analysis included a review of the city’s architectural heritage, evaluations of integrity and significance of existing and potential historic districts, and recommendations for a robust preservation program in coming years.
Sustainability and Architectural Design Review Guidelines, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sustainability is now a component of many community’s energy policies and conservation efforts. In Oklahoma City, our focus is on how sustainability intersects with design review guidelines in the city’s residential historic districts. We are rewriting the city’s guidelines from the standpoint of sustainability including a review of “green” materials, how older dwellings can be retrofitted for energy efficiency and how preservation and sustainability can be mutually compatible.
Muscle Shoals, Alabama National Heritage Area Plan
Located in the northwest corner of Alabama, the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area includes six counties along the Tennessee River. This region is rich in history and boasts Native American sites, the Natchez Trace Parkway, music studios associated with the “Muscle Shoals Sound” and a significant river corridor. Working with lead consultant The Walker Collaborative, we are compiling an inventory of historic sites in the region with recommendations for joint marketing, interpretation and tourism development.
Other Projects
- Vinton, Iowa Residential Historic District Nomination
- Monroe, Louisiana Design Review Guidelines
- James White Parkway Environmental Assessment, Knoxville Tennessee
Recent Awards
Fort Smith, Arkansas Citywide Historic Preservation Plan,
“Achievement in Comprehensive Planning Award” from the Arkansas Chapter,
American Planning Association, 2009
Little Rock, Arkansas Citywide Historic Preservation Plan,
“Achievement in Public Policy from the Arkansas Heritage Alliance, 2010
Conference Speaking Engagements, Phil Thomason
Tennessee Preservation Trust Annual Conference, Collierville, TN, April, 2011
“Alternative Materials for Historic Districts”
Oklahoma Statewide Historic Preservation Conference, Guymon, OK, June, 2011
“Greening Your Design Guidelines”
