Keokuk, IA – A nationally-known historic preservation expert says historic buildings must play a key role in developing communities such as Keokuk.
Donovan Rypkema works with communities, both large and small, on downtown and neighborhood revitalization, the reuse of properties, and the economics of historic preservation.
He says it is up to the residents of each community to take the initiative and not wait for someone to come in and improve their neighborhoods for them.
Rypkema says the economic side is actually under recognized but is truly a key component to any preservation project.
He spoke at Keokuk's Small Business Appreciation Luncheon at noon this afternoon and led a three hour workshop on how to bring together the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in downtown redevelopment.
Rypkema was in Keokuk after offering his services, free of charge, to the team that created the best redevelopment proposal during a recent conference.
Main Street Keokuk Inc's Joyce Glasscock was part of the winning team so Keokuk won Rypkema's services.
You can hear Jason Parrott's report by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* Roughly 100 turned out for the workshop and the luncheon.
*Rypkema will also meet with city leaders in Bonaparte and Burlington.