With the help of a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Arkansas Fund and support from our generous sponsors, Preserve Arkansas hosted two Dollars & Sense of Historic Preservation programs this summer - one at Batesville and one at Eureka Springs.

First held at Hot Springs in 2014, Dollars & Sense of Historic Preservation is a day-long program designed to emphasize the economic benefits of preservation, provide information and resources on preservation incentives, and encourage use of incentives through practical, real-world examples.

Donovan Rypkema, Washington, DC-based preservation economist, and Savannah-based preservation consultant Briana Grosicki provided keynotes for these programs.

The Women in Preservation Virtual Speaker Series features women who are working to preserve the state’s historic places. Thanks to generous support from DEMX Architecture, all programs are free.

Join us on Tuesday, October 11 at 3:30 p.m. for a program by Renee Vanegas, AIA, LEED GA, Senior Associate at Deborah Berke Partners in New York City. The New York-based architecture firm of Deborah Berke Partners and Fayetteville-based Miller Boskus Lack are leading the $38 million restoration of the University of Arkansas Fine Arts Center in Fayetteville. Designed in 1951 by well-known architect Edward Durell Stone, the UA Fine Arts Center was the first multidisciplinary academic arts building in the country.

Since joining Deborah Berke Partners in 2010, Renee has worked on several significant academic, cultural, and institutional projects, including the New School College of Performing Arts, the Bard College Conservatory of Music, and the University of Arkansas Fine Arts Center. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona.

With funding from the Cyrus Sutherland Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Endowment, Preserve Arkansas is pleased to support architect Noah Biklen's presentation at the AIA Arkansas State Convention in Rogers, Oct. 26-28. Biklen, partner at New York firm Deborah Berke Partners, is currently leading the design of the restoration of the UA Fine Arts Center. His presentation will also cover the firm's broader work in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

The Quapaw Quarter Association is partnering with the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association and workforce training advocate Marshall Ray to offer a Window Restoration and Weatherization Boot Camp in Little Rock, Oct. 25-29. Nationally recognized window expert Bob Yapp will provide instruction. Preserve Arkansas is supporting this boot camp with funds from the Becky and Charles Witsell Endowment for Preservation Education and Training. Two scholarships are still available to attend the workshop. Please contact Rachel Patton to learn more.

Preserve Arkansas Executive Director Rachel Patton served as instructor for the Community Development Institute's Historic Preservation Session in August. In September, she presented a program about the Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanatorium Historic District at Booneville for the Society for the History of Medicine and Health Professions. And Patton collaborated with her husband, Drue, to guide the Discover Argenta walking tour during Main Street's Destination Downtown conference in North Little Rock.

Thank you to all who sponsored and attended Preserve Arkansas's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Hot Springs on Sept. 9!

The program featured a video presentation, including interviews with former and current board members, executive directors, and longtime supporters, as well as a keynote address by Bonnie McDonald, President and CEO of Landmarks Illinois in Chicago. McDonald challenged the audience to make historic preservation more relevant to more people in the years ahead.

Thank you to Stone's Throw Brewing, our volunteers, and everyone who attended Block on Rock 2022! This annual block party in the heart of Little Rock's MacArthur Park Historic District benefits Preserve Arkansas.

Preserve Arkansas members will have the opportunity to tour the First National Bank of Morrilton Building as well as the Adams Building and the historic Coca-Cola Bottling Plant - now home to Crow Group - enjoy a beer and wine reception, and learn about Preserve Arkansas initiatives and events. Sponsored by Crow Group, Point Remove Brewing, and The Point Winery. Registration information coming soon!

Join us for a jolly good time as we ramble to Historic Washington State Park for dinner at the Brunson House and a Candlelight Tour of the park. Board the charter bus in North Little Rock, or meet us there if you like. More details coming soon!