Saturday, February 25, 2006

Restoration, Preservation, and a Grand Opening

It was a busy day in New Albany. The restoration of three storefronts began in the 300 block of Pearl Street. As you'll see below, an intact cast-iron column was uncovered. Be sure to stop by to check on progress in the coming weeks.

The Cardinal Ritter House restoration is progressing. The roof is complete and new windows are being installed.

Louisville Stained Glass held their Grand Opening to a steady and robust crowd.

Enjoy the pictures.














Housing Quality - continue the thread

Visit the S. Ellen Jones Forum to continue the brainstorming on housing quality in New Albany.

http://sellenjonesna.blogspot.com/

Sunday, February 19, 2006

It's cold, here are more pictures

"IT'S COLD"! So I dipped into the archives and pulled out pictures once again exhibiting the richness of our history and heritage in New Albany.



Friday, February 17, 2006

Historic Housing Quality in New Albany

Housing quality is a major issue in the historic neighborhoods of New Albany. Has been for a long time. Will be for a long time to come. City enforcement of building codes and ordinances is a part of the solution. We, as residents of this City, can also be part of the solution.

The below excerpts are from an article published in News from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions titled Hands On Athens (Georgia): A Successful Low Income Rehabilitation Partnership.

"It doesn’t always take big bucks or ton of time to make a difference in low income historic housing. With the collaboration of historic preservation nonprofits, local government, environmental organizations, schools, churches, and community members at large, a great deal can be accomplished to protect low income resources. Hands On Athens aims to do just that – and throw in a little preservation education at the same time. The mission of Hands On Athens is to create a coalition of organizations dedicated to assisting low income Athens-Clarke County, Georgia homeowners in historic neighborhoods to maintain, repair, and preserve their properties as part of overall neighborhood revitalization."

On Facing Challenges....
"While most of the time Hands On Athens runs smoothly, it is presented with its share of challenges. One of the largest difficulties is that, due to the growing rental rate in the target areas, it can be a struggle to find owner-occupied homes to be recipients of the program’s services. Fortunately, working with neighborhood development corporations helps alleviate much of this suspicion. Other challenges present themselves with applicants not fully understanding application guidelines and the scope of work possible, but many of these issues can be avoided through proper procedures, education, and communication."

Further Reading:
http://www.achfonline.org/handsonathens.html

The Kentuckiana region has a version of Hands On Athens in the Repair Affair program which is sponsored by New Directions Housing Corporation. Check back here soon for more information on this program and efforts in our neighborhoods.

New Directions Housing – Repair Affair http://www.ndhc.org/repair.html

Further Reading:
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions http://www.uga.edu/sed/pso/programs/napc/napc.htm

Monday, February 13, 2006

Community Development Block Grant Info

Please visit the S. Ellen Jones Neighborhood Association web log for information on the upcoming CDBG Planning Meetings.

http://sellenjonesna.blogspot.com/

Thursday, February 02, 2006

My History in New Albany

Say hello to my Great Grandfather David Millard Tuell - born February 19, 1873. I’m not sure how many boxing matches he won. My guess is a stiff breeze could have taken him in about 3 rounds.


David was a twin (he’s pictured with his brother Dennis below).



They were born and raised in Harrison County. The pictures were taken in New Albany probably between 1885 and 1890. I imagine a trip to New Albany was a pretty big deal for a farm boy from Harrison County. As a frequent visitor to downtown myself I'm pretty sure I've walked in his footsteps more than once. I guess that's one reason I'm a little freaky about this town.


The weather has been nasty lately and I’ve been busy, but I am working on a nice photo collection of the wrought iron of New Albany. Stay tuned.