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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Buildings come with historic challenges
A Candid Discussion on the Preservation of Gainesville's Historic Gems
Gainesville, January 8, 2024 — The Hippodrome Theatre, nestled in the heart of Gainesville's historic downtown, faces a pivotal moment in its preservation journey as its elevator ceases operation, closing off the accessibility to the second and third floors. In response, The Hippodrome Theatre is convening a diverse panel of community leaders, developers, and historical property owners to engage in an open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities surrounding the preservation and redevelopment of Gainesville's cherished historical structures in its historic neighborhoods including; Downtown, Springhill, Duckpond, Porters, Pleasant Street, and others.
Panel Discussion Highlights, such as time-tested success stories in Gainesville, weighing the imperative for development and modernization against the backdrop of preserving the city's unique historical character, examining the pivotal role of community engagement in shaping the decision-making processes, unraveling the intricate financial aspects of historic preservation and redevelopment, including discussions on funding sources, incentives for property owners, and the potential economic benefits for the community. This event hopes to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders — private developers, architects, nonprofits, historical societies, universities, residents, and government agencies— and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration to ensure effective and sustainable historic preservation practices.
Event Details:
Date/Time: Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Location: The Hippodrome Theatre, Hipp Cinema, located on the first floor
Address: 25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville FL 32601
Please RSVP by January 12 to development@thehipp.org
The Hippodrome Theatre invites all interested individuals to take part in this exploration of Gainesville's historical legacy. Let's embark on a journey together to safeguard and celebrate our shared heritage.
The Panelists:
Kathleen Kauffman - Historic Preservation Officer, City of Gainesville
Rick Smith - Director, Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area
Linda McGurn - Attorney and Developer, McGurn Investment Company
Bob Robins - Production/Facility Manager, The Hippodrome Theatre
Richard Gartee - Author, The Hippodrome Theatre First Fifty Years
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