Events

San Antonio is recognized throughout the world as a city that has accomplished great results in historic preservation and the recycling of historic buildings to new purpose. With preservation being uttered. in the same breath as sustainable development these days, it makes sense that we take stock of our accomplishments and continue to explore the best practices that can take our community to even greater heights. Downtown Alliance, in partnership with the City of San Antonio's Office of Historic Preservation, are proud to present the next program in the 2009 Urban Renaissance Series featuring renowned preservation and urban revitalization expert, Donovan (Don) Rypkema. Rypkema is recognized as a leader in the economics of preservation and will address why downtown revitalization is sustainable development.
 
Historic properties cover our city center, creating a unique and beautiful urban environment that defines our history and culture.  San Antonio has experienced significant new development and increased levels of interest from all across the country, many attracted by our preservation of historic resources. But is the cost and time involved in the refurbishment and re-use of these properties economically viable and worth the investment? Rypkema says we can't afford for it not to be.  Providing the community with better tools and incentives to salvage and integrate historic properties will sustain our urban core and continue to set us apart from the vast majority of other downtowns. 
 
Please join us on Monday, August 31, 2009, for what promises to be an enlightening luncheon with Don Rypkema as he shares his experience in the economics of preservation, rehabilitation, community development and commercial revitalization.