This. Place. Matters. #ThisPlaceMattersHsv

Published on May 10, 2016

Mayor Tommy Battle proclaimed May as Preservation Month during a ceremony today with preservation leaders at the historic Huntsville Depot. Following a proclamation reading, the Mayor and preservation leaders kicked off a “This. Place. Matters.” social media campaign for residents to post photos of historic places they love.

The Mayor remarked on Huntsville’s foresight in retaining many important historic structures and on the resurging interest in repurposing and preserving older buildings.

“Places do Matter,” said Mayor Battle. “In a time where people are hungry for authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship, we are seeing greater interest in restoring and repurposing places in our community.”

The Mayor cited the Belk-Hudson lofts downtown, Lowe Mill and Lincoln Mill, Campus No. 805, and Providence Classical School – to name a few. He also noted the City’s high number of preserved structures and districts including the Twickenham area, Old Town, and Five Points Districts; Humphrey Rogers House, Washington Square, the Times Building, Terry Hutchens Building, Struve-Hay Building, First National Bank Building, Yarbrough Building, Dunnavant’s Building, Harrison Brothers and many historic churches and other downtown buildings.

The Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission, a key driver in this effort since 1972, announced two new projects of note: a historical survey of McThornmor Acres neighborhood, and a heritage development plan for Alabama A&M University.

“None of these projects would be possible without the support of local organizations like the Historic Huntsville Foundation and the Normal Historic District Preservation Association, community members, and of course Mayor Tommy Battle,” said Jessica White-Blatter, Huntsville Historic Preservation Consultant.

“This. Place. Matters.” is part of a national campaign for cities to recognize their historic assets. Mayor Battle tweeted a photo of the Historic Depot Museum with the hashtag #ThisPlaceMattersHsv and #ThisPlaceMatters. What places matter most to you?

WHEREAS, National Historic Preservation Month has been observed every May since 1973, and;

WHEREAS, Historic Preservation is an effective tool for economic development, tourism promotion, neighborhood revitalization, and fostering community pride and livability; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville believes in the importance of celebrating its rich history, and the role that history and historic places have played in the growth and progress of our city; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville would like to recognize the individuals and organizations dedicated to the preservation of our city’s past; and

WHEREAS, “This Place Matters” has been designated as the theme for National Preservation Month 2016 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,

NOW THEREFORE, We, the City of Huntsville, do proclaim May 2016 as National Historic Preservation Month and call upon the citizens of Huntsville to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance.

Dated this 10th day of May, 2016.

Tommy BattleMayor