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May 6, 2012

Glassworks preservationist to speak in New Albany

Preservation Month celebrated all through May

By DANIEL SUDDEATH daniel.suddeath@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY — Noted architect and developer Bill Weyland — known for his work with area preservation projects such as Glassworks, the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Henry Clay Building — will provide a free lecture Thursday at the historic Second Baptist Church in New Albany.

Weyland of CityVisions Associates will speak from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on historic preservation, the role of public-private partnerships in downtown revitalization and other similar topics.

“We selected him obviously because of his great wealth of experience in Louisville and because of some of the great projects he’s been involved with there,” said Laura Renwick, community preservation specialist with Indiana Landmarks. “He’s got a unique perspective from being an architect, a preservationist and a developer, and he really understands the whole realm of what makes these projects possible.”

The event is part of National Preservation Month, which is celebrated throughout May. While events are planned throughout Floyd and Clark counties in May, Weyland’s message is expected to have special significance in New Albany.

“The progress that’s been made in downtown New Albany and the revitalization that we’ve seen there over the past few years is just amazing, and I think to continue to build upon those efforts and to continue to move forward, it’s important for people to be involved more and educate themselves,” said Renwick, who is the Indiana Landmarks’ staff representative on the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission.

Revitalization can also be an economic tool, and the public sector can play a role in the process, Floyd County Historian David Barksdale said. Weyland can provide expertise on public-private preservation efforts, he said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the citizens and our city government to be able to see what can happen with the preservation of buildings,” Barksdale said.

With its connections to the Underground Railroad, Second Baptist Church — located at 300 E. Main St. — has years of history associated with it. This year, church leaders and local organizations have partnered to raise funds toward refurbishing certain parts of the building.

Renwick said the church is a great venue for Weyland’s presentation.

“We’re thrilled to be able to present it at Second Baptist Church and to be able to give people the opportunity to see that wonderful, historic building that is part of the community,” she said.

Thursday’s event is free and reservations are not required. Co-sponsors for the presentations include Preservation Louisville, Develop New Albany and the Heritage Preservation League of New Albany-Floyd County.

• Contact the Southern Regional Office of Indiana Landmarks at 812-284-4534, or by e-mail at south@indianalandmarks.org.

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