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Letter to the Editor
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Box 85333
Richmond, VA 23293
FAX: (804)819-1216
Dear Sir:
On behalf of Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA Preservation Virginia), I write to respond to Mr. Hinkle’s op-ed printed on Tuesday (08/31/04). The picture Mr. Hinkle draws of preservationists is clearly one sided. The APVA is the oldest statewide preservation organization in the nation and for 115 years has invested its resources—time, talent, influence, and money—to ensure that the Commonwealth’s historic sites and structures are preserved for future generations. We have partnered in this effort with groups large and small and individuals in localities, including Richmond, with Historic Richmond Foundation; ACORN; Historic Polgreen Church Foundation; the APVA’s own William Byrd and Douglas Southall Freeman Branches; and the John Marshall House.
My colleagues at the Historic Richmond Foundation have submitted a letter that outlines the economic investments made by preservationists in Richmond. That impact is even greater looking at the whole of the Richmond area. In the past eight years, almost $9 million has been used to purchase properties and support projects at Historic Polgreen Church, Pebble Creek, Bethesda Church, Selwyn, Patrick Henry’s birthplace, Beaverdam Creek, and numerous other projects. These investments sometimes overwhelm relatively small operating budgets but are critical nonetheless. (Mr. Hinkle’s reference to the $12,000 investment by ACORN is all the more magnificent when one considers that it represents almost 12% of the organization’s budget.)
Our history and culture are a continuum, and each generation is challenged to honor the past and look toward the future. The architectural expressions of this heritage have been something that Richmonders have valued. Preservation is best accomplished when the community involvement is incorporated into the planning. Economic, aesthetic, and functional aspects of an effort can be weighed and incorporated. Developers recognize that through rehab and reuse and by working with the preservation community, they can meet economic goals while incorporating preservation. Excellent examples include the Robert E. Lee School, Kensington Gardens, Stuart Circle, Cold Harbor, and Rural Plains. The Commonwealth also recognizes this obligation with the restoration of the Capitol. Following Mr. Hinkle’s logic, it certainly might have been less expensive to tear down Mr. Jefferson’s capitol and build a new one than reuse the existing structure.
VCU has successfully incorporated historic buildings along Franklin Street within its Monroe Park campus, retaining the character of the neighborhood and meeting the current needs of students and faculty. Through the earlier vision of the MCV Foundation, both Monumental Church and the Egyptian Building have been preserved. Similar leadership today would recognize the resources and distinguish the evolution of the MCV campus as part of Richmond’s architectural history.
The preservation community is extending an invitation to work with VCU to determine a resolution that meets the needs of the MCV campus and honors its past commitment to architectural integrity. As Richmonders, we are all are all obliged to find a resolution and the resources to implement that solution.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth S. Kostelny
Executive Director