The Central Tampa News & Tribune
Conference Focuses On Home Preservation
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: April 5, 2008
WEST TAMPA - The country's economic slump might sour development, but it also might offer a silver lining for historical buildings.
Developers and investors may turn to preserving and rehabilitating older homes and buildings, said Gus Paras, president-elect of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
"We are in a downturn in new buildings," Paras said. "It doesn't mean we have to ignore the existing buildings and historic buildings or that we can't apply new energy-saving measures to those buildings."
Paras has developed the Renew Tampa conference, which runs Friday through April 13 at the Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory, 1403 N. Howard Ave. There will be guest speakers and presentations ranging from the technical and architectural to the pragmatic, with demonstrations on preserving and maintaining windows, wood floors, paint, doors and stained glass.
For Paras, it's not just about preserving buildings. It is also about showing that preservation is linked to "green" buildings, the latest development buzzword. Green buildings are designed to be energy efficient.
Architects will discuss their projects, including the preservation of Hillsborough High School in Seminole Heights and Sanctuary Lofts in Tampa Heights, and there will be talks on financial and legal issues.
The seminars are free, although professionals can earn continuing education credits by attending at a cost of $10 for each seminar or $50 a day.
At 1 p.m. April 13, there will be a bus tour of Tampa's historical neighborhoods; tickets are $20.
"I felt it was important that we had an educational process for everyone, not just for the professional, not just for the homeowner," said Paras, a Tampa architect since 1963 who is semi-retired.
The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, which is a member of the Renew Tampa committee and one of 20 conference partners, will bring speakers to discuss maintaining an historical home.
Association member Ann McDonald said the conference could become an annual event focusing on trends and issues.
"This is our trial year," McDonald said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Renew Tampa preservation conference
WHEN: Friday through April 13
WHERE: Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory, 1403 N. Howard Ave.
COST: Free seminars (continuing education credits available for a cost); $20 bus tour of historical neighborhoods
INFORMATION: renewtampa.org; (813) 229-3411
Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 835-2110 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
