Two Days of History
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Two Days of History

Alexandria will host a conference in May to explore challenges surrounding historic preservation.

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<pc>Photo by Michael Lee Pope/Gazette Packet

<cl>St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 228 South Pitt St. will host a Friday May 4 evening session of the conference from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The agenda here includes a welcome from Mayor Bill Euille, a brief history of historic preservation from Historic Alexandria Foundation President Morgan Delany and a keynote address from Alexandria historian William Seale.

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<pc>Photo by Michael Lee Pope/Gazette Packet

<cl>Gadsby’s Tavern at 138 North Royal St. will host a reception immediately following Friday night’s session at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Ax0404-909 48x32

<pc>Photo by Michael Lee Pope/Gazette Packet

<cl>First Baptist Church at 2932 King St. will host a daylong session on Saturday May 5 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The agenda here includes historic preservation perspectives from Mayor Bill Euille and Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald, both of whom are lifelong residents of the city. Two panel discussions will explore National Register listings, tax credits, easements, archeological protection, design concepts, planning goals, affordable housing efforts and city officials who enforce architectural standards, archeological research and urban planning. After a lunchtime discussion of the economics of preservation by Don Rypkema, a panel will discuss current preservation challenges in Alexandria before a facilitated town meeting invites questions from the audience.

<cl>When & Where

A two-day conference in early May will explore a host of issues revolving around the theme of historic preservation, everything from urban planning and infill development to tax credits and National Register status. Speakers and panel discussions will include nationally recognized speakers, city officials, volunteers and members of Alexandria’s historic preservation community.

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Friday May 4 session at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

* 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: registration

* 7 p.m.: welcome from Mayor Bill Euille

* 7:15 p.m.: brief history of preservation in Alexandria from Alexandria Historic Foundation President Morgan Delaney

* 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: keynote address from Alexandria historian William Seale

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Friday May 4 reception at Gadsby’s Tavern

The tavern will host a Friday night reception immediately after the session at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is over.

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Saturday May 5 session at First Baptist Church

* 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: registration

* 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Mayor Bill Euille and Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald will offer perspectives on historic preservation in Alexandria.

* 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: panel discussion on "Basic Preservation Tools" with Boyd Walker and Pat Bulter. Topics include laws protecting historic buildings, National Register listings, tax credits, architectural preservation, easements and historic districts.

* 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.: panel discussion on "Design Concepts" with architect John Rust. Topics include various styles of architecture in Alexandria, promoting balanced urban planning, appropriate infill development in historic areas and architectural design guidelines.

* 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: break

* 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: panel discussion on "How Preservation Works in Alexandria" with city officials Peter Smith and Jim MacKay. Topics include an inside look at the activities of the Board of Architectural Review, Office of Historic Alexandria and Alexandria Archeology, the Planning Commission and private-sector preservation groups.

* 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: panel discussion on "Broadening the Coalition." Topics include perspectives from real-estate agents, small-business owners, neighborhood residents and lessons learned from neighboring jurisdictions.

* 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: lunch with speaker Donovan Rypkema, who will address the economics of preservation

1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.: panel discussion on "Current Problems and Challenges" in Alexandria. Topics include preservation issues that are unique to the city.

* 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: facilitated town meeting

* 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: closing remarks