Historic Preservation Resources
Landmark Society Building
The Importance of Historic Preservation in Thousand Island Park
When Thousand Island Park was designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, we took on the responsibility to protect our community’s architectural heritage.
There are many benefits of being named a Historic District. First, we make the commitment to preserve our history and our buildings In TI Park. In our case, we’re a part of the living history of the network of Methodist campgrounds that
once existed in the US and Canada. We’re fortunate to be able to spend our summers in a community unique both in its architecture and to the extent that we have been able to preserve it through the support of the community, its many organizations and the use of our preservation code.
Historic districts are a vehicle for education. They promote awareness and appreciation of historic resources, and encourage their appropriate treatment through educational programs, lectures and tours. In Thousand Island Park, we can visit the Museum, the Tabernacle, the Library, the Landmark Society and the Pavilion among other landmarks and attend lectures and workshops sponsored by the various organizations who work together to keep our community vibrant.
Preservation works. Rehabilitated buildings in historic districts are a welcome diversion to the glass and steel skyscrapers of cities and the cluttered and commercial suburban sprawl seen in our nation today. John Lawrence, former Dean of Tulane School of Architecture, said “the basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate sensitivity with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product of the past and a modifier of the future”.
Countless reuse projects have shown that old buildings can function in ways their original builders never dreamed. One example of this in TI Park is the Landmark Society building, a former photography shop, a beauty shop, now a center for education, preservation and history. Another is the Pavilion, or as many call it, the Main Dock, which is used as a community gathering spot, a venue for classes, weddings and memorials in addition to its original purpose as an entry point to the park.
A further aspect of historic preservation is sustainability. Donovan Rypkema, noted lecturer on historic preservation and economics, says “historic preservation, is in and of itself, sustainable development”. Historic buildings were designed with sustainable features, such as old growth wood, and when restored and reused, bring
about substantial energy savings. The rehabilitation and restoration of our historic structures also creates local jobs that add significantly to the north country economy Historic preservation has an additional positive impact on the local economy through tourism. Visitors to TIP can observe and learn about the historical character of the Park and can enjoy lunch, perhaps purchase a souvenir, and take a walking tour or kayak ride.
Finally, designation as a Historic District protects our property investment as we know that our properties will appreciate at rates higher than those in the local market. A 2007 report by Jonathan Mabry, Historic Preservation Officer for Tuscon, Arizona, indicated a increase of 5% to 35% nationwide for property values of homes in designated historic districts.
In moving forward into Summer 2016, we can view the Guzzle/Commercial Block Renovation project as an opportunity to not only regain our beloved “Guzzle”, but to expand the use of this space while preserving its historical, cultural, architectural and economic value. This is what historic preservation is all about as it adds to our community’s understanding of and pride in our history and helps preserve our vision for the future.
When Thousand Island Park was designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, we took on the responsibility to protect our community’s architectural heritage.
There are many benefits of being named a Historic District. First, we make the commitment to preserve our history and our buildings In TI Park. In our case, we’re a part of the living history of the network of Methodist campgrounds that
once existed in the US and Canada. We’re fortunate to be able to spend our summers in a community unique both in its architecture and to the extent that we have been able to preserve it through the support of the community, its many organizations and the use of our preservation code.
Historic districts are a vehicle for education. They promote awareness and appreciation of historic resources, and encourage their appropriate treatment through educational programs, lectures and tours. In Thousand Island Park, we can visit the Museum, the Tabernacle, the Library, the Landmark Society and the Pavilion among other landmarks and attend lectures and workshops sponsored by the various organizations who work together to keep our community vibrant.
Preservation works. Rehabilitated buildings in historic districts are a welcome diversion to the glass and steel skyscrapers of cities and the cluttered and commercial suburban sprawl seen in our nation today. John Lawrence, former Dean of Tulane School of Architecture, said “the basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate sensitivity with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product of the past and a modifier of the future”.
Countless reuse projects have shown that old buildings can function in ways their original builders never dreamed. One example of this in TI Park is the Landmark Society building, a former photography shop, a beauty shop, now a center for education, preservation and history. Another is the Pavilion, or as many call it, the Main Dock, which is used as a community gathering spot, a venue for classes, weddings and memorials in addition to its original purpose as an entry point to the park.
A further aspect of historic preservation is sustainability. Donovan Rypkema, noted lecturer on historic preservation and economics, says “historic preservation, is in and of itself, sustainable development”. Historic buildings were designed with sustainable features, such as old growth wood, and when restored and reused, bring
about substantial energy savings. The rehabilitation and restoration of our historic structures also creates local jobs that add significantly to the north country economy Historic preservation has an additional positive impact on the local economy through tourism. Visitors to TIP can observe and learn about the historical character of the Park and can enjoy lunch, perhaps purchase a souvenir, and take a walking tour or kayak ride.
Finally, designation as a Historic District protects our property investment as we know that our properties will appreciate at rates higher than those in the local market. A 2007 report by Jonathan Mabry, Historic Preservation Officer for Tuscon, Arizona, indicated a increase of 5% to 35% nationwide for property values of homes in designated historic districts.
In moving forward into Summer 2016, we can view the Guzzle/Commercial Block Renovation project as an opportunity to not only regain our beloved “Guzzle”, but to expand the use of this space while preserving its historical, cultural, architectural and economic value. This is what historic preservation is all about as it adds to our community’s understanding of and pride in our history and helps preserve our vision for the future.
Landmark Library Inventory
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The Reference Library is maintained in the Landmark Society Building at
42831 St. Lawrence Avenue as a resource for all. It is intended to
assist those who have an interest in maintaining our remarkable
community.
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