Restoration experts plan to give voice to aging structures: Group to address challenges to reusing existing buildings
Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 22, 2011 – Restoration industry leaders from across the United States and Canada met in Minneapolis on June 7-8 to discuss the state of restoration and its place in sustainable development. The Restoration Round Table was held at the W Hotel in the historic Foshay Tower in downtown Minneapolis. A diverse group of attendees included design professionals, restoration contractors, preservationist, building owners and product manufacturers.
Organizations Represented:
- Atlas Supply Company – Seattle, WA
- BASF Corporation – Minneapolis, MN
- Buildings Consultant Group – Minneapolis, MN
- Clark Engineering – Minneapolis, MN
- Coastal Construction Products – Orlando, FL
- ConTech Construction – Orlando, FL
- Crosier Kilgour Partners – Winnipeg, MB
- Facility Engineering Associates – Fairfax, VA
- Georgia Construction Products – Atlanta, GA
- HHCC Inc – Austin, TX
- Jaster-Quintanilla – Dallas, TX
- Karins Engineering Group – Sarasota, FL
- Meyer Borgman Johnson – Minneapolis, MN
- Preservation Alliance of Minnesota –St. Paul, MN
- Spiegel Zamecnik & Shah – New Haven, CT
- State Farm Insurance – Bloomington, IL
- Structural Group – Baltimore, MD
- Sutton Kennerly & Associates – Birmingham, AL
- The George D Alan Company – Dallas, TX
- Walker Restoration Consultants – Denver, CO
- Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associatte –Austin, TX
The purpose of the meeting was to bring industry thought leaders together to discuss the state of the industry. The maintenance and reuse of existing buildings are often overlooked or undervalued when compared to today’s sustainable alternatives. The meeting was facilitated around a set of big questions that were passionately discussed and debated. Some of the topics discussed were:
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Why is the restoration on buildings important?
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What are the things our industry can agree upon?
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What is holding the industry back?
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Who has a stake in the reuse of existing buildings?
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What could a group of like minded people do to get more buildings restored?
At the conclusion of the meeting, the group agreed on the importance of proving and promoting the value of restoration. There was also agreement that this is a complex task that requires more effort, more resources and more insight. This group plans to reconvene in the fall of 2011 to formalize their goals, objectives and organizational structure.
“To make a real difference in restoration, we need involvement from all the stakeholders. We must energize more people.” _ Bryan Wood – Sutton Kennerly & Associates
Restoration and building reuse is about vitality, renewal and sustainability. Buildings are “shovel ready” projects that create local jobs. Renewed buildings lead to safe, stable neighborhoods and increased property values. It is a responsible use of resources and inherently sustainable. Building restoration is an opportunity for all of us to make an impact in our communities and cities.
For more information or to learn how you can help, see the contact information below.
