Exploring yet another historic part of a Texas town. Although the town really only has one block of older repurposed buildings, the area is very beautiful.
This poster was hanging in “After Glow,” a furniture restoration shop that I accidentally happened upon while trying to find more buildings to photograph. There I met the owner, from whom I gained much knowledge about great historic places to visit in the DFW area. He also explained to me, from his experience, how money, politics and preservation all work to either benefit or harm the others. The house on their business card (pictured above) was a home with a rich history located next door to their current shop. The city government was unable to allocate funds for its upkeep as a historic part of the city, and he was unable to either. This led to the destruction of the home to make room for… “progress.”
This is the very reason why I want to become an architect with a focus on restoring the existing built environment and historic neighborhoods through repurposing. Buildings that already exist and that have so much character deserve to continue having a purpose. Old things, especially architecture (in my opinion), should not be immediately shunned away and thought of negatively. New things aren’t always better. Especially in regard to the environment. Just as the poster says above, “Be Immortal: Leave a legacy of quality for the next generation.” That is what I want to do with architecture.
One day.
Until then, I’ll just keep photographing these old, beautiful places and listening to the stories of their history, either from their character, or from the people that care about them, too.
Until next time, Ci Vediamo!!!
OWNG
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P.S. Visit TexasTimeTravel.com, the site which I frequent, if you would like to learn more about historic sites to explore in Texas.
This post comes just after we hosted Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns here at the U of A Applied Sustainability Center. His workshop focused on how downtowns need to go back to the “old style” of high-density development because it brings a bigger return to the city in tax dollars vs. big lots with one business on it. Plus it is more charming and more accessible for citizens and encourages walking, which is healthy! I’m sorry you had to miss it but thank you for this post! Go to www. strongtowns.org for more info on the initiative.
I truly miss the enlightenment I gained while at the UofA, and especially while working at the Office for Sustainability and with Prof. Tahar for my sustainability minor. Thank you for sharing the Strong Towns info, that is right up my alley. I am definitely going to check it and Chuck Marohn out! =)
This is fun!! I should start doing this around my town 🙂
you should, Ricci! I would love to see that! =)