Gateway offering historic preservation courses
Published on Jan 18, 2017
Gateway Community & Technical College is excited to offer, for the first time, historic preservation arts classes beginning Feb. 2, at the Urban Metro Campus in Covington.
Gateway's Historic Preservation Arts programming was born out of a grass-roots effort led by Progress with Preservation, a local group of Covington residents and regional advocates for the preservation of the region's architectural heritage. HPA programming has been, and continues to be developed through input from regional historic preservation officers, tradesmen, real estate professionals, contractors, and engaged citizens. Pilot programming is scheduled to begin in February 2017 and additional programming will be added as it is developed. Gateway's Historic Preservation Arts programming was born out of a grass-roots effort led by Progress with Preservation, a local group of Covington residents and regional advocates for the preservation of the region's architectural heritage. HPA programming has been, and continues to be developed through input from regional historic preservation officers, tradesmen, real estate professionals, contractors, and engaged citizens. Pilot programming is scheduled to begin in February 2017 and additional programming will be added as it is developed. Gateway's Historic Preservation Arts programming was born out of a grass-roots effort led by Progress with Preservation, a local group of Covington residents and regional advocates for the preservation of the region's architectural heritage. HPA programming has been, and continues to be developed through input from regional historic preservation officers, tradesmen, real estate professionals, contractors, and engaged citizens. Pilot programming is scheduled to begin in February 2017 and additional programming will be added as it is developed. Gateway’s historic preservation arts programming is a partnership with Progress with Preservation, a group of Covington residents and advocates for the preservation of the region’s architectural heritage. These community members came to Gateway with the need to train local craftsmen in preserving historic sites.
Throughout the past year, contractors were surveyed regarding need for, interest in and support for the development of the program. In addition, input, data and letters of support were collected from property owners, municipalities, government agencies and local preservation advocacy organizations. Currently, letters of support have been received from the Ludlow Historic Society, the City of Fort Thomas and the Kentucky Heritage Council. In addition, the Covington City Commission passed an Order/Resolution in October 2016 supporting the development of the program.
Six courses are currently scheduled for 2017. Students will learn the basics of historic preservation theory and practice, to photograph the architecture of historical landmarks and to assess condition and create a rehabilitation and maintenance plan for historic sites, focusing on the craft and artistic skill of historic preservation. Courses will be taught by Beth Johnson and Steve Oldfield, experts in historic preservation and the chronicling of it.
"These are the types of educational experiences that we love to provide for our community," stated Gateway President Dr. Fernando Figueroa. "Not only will students learn an important skill, but they will help preserve the heart and soul of our community in so many ways."
According to the Kentucky Heritage Council, Kentucky ranks fourth among states in the number of listings in the National Register of Historic Places, with more than 3,400 districts, sites and structures encompassing more than 42,000 historic features. National Register-listed sites quality for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. In Covington alone, there are 17 historic districts (which include more than 5,200 resources), and the local designation and protection of seven historic preservation overlay zones (which include over 1,800 resources).
"The Northern Kentucky River Cities and Cincinnati have a wealth of historic buildings that give unique personality to our cities and demonstrate the beauty of our architectural heritage. This distinctly built landscape attracts visitors, businesses and residents to our region,” said Lisa Sauer of Progress with Preservation. “Yet finding tradespeople with the right skills to tackle plaster, historic windows, metal and tile roofing, decorative trim, and all the nuances of great restoration is becoming more and more difficult. Our hope for the Gateway program is that it educates a new generation of crafts men and women who become an integral part of our community and breathe new life into the beautiful architecture of the region.”
"We are fortunate to have such a large stock of historically and architecturally significant buildings. They have amazing potential to attract growing businesses and new residents who are demonstrating strong demand for these types spaces," said Jeanne Schroer President/Chief Executive Officer, Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky. "By offering a historic preservation curriculum, Gateway is filling a significant gap that exists in our ability to deliver quality product to our market that will contribute to a growing tax base and benefit our residents."
Currently, courses are community-based, non-credit courses. They are offered in a pilot program as Gateway continues to evaluate the interest and need for a larger program in historic preservation arts. In addition, Steve Oldfield will teach Movies with a Mission and Social Documentary Photography through community arts education.
Courses begin Feb. 2. Learn more about historical preservation arts and community arts education at Gateway.
