FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2013
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Kara Ford
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
PR@abshirepr.com
Historic Savannah Foundation Announces Plans to
“Raise the Roof” at 2014 Savannah Preservation Festival
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization
committed to preserving and protecting Savannah's heritage, is pleased to announce the schedule
for the third annual Savannah Preservation Festival, which will take place in Savannah May 810, 2014. United Community Bank serves as the title sponsor for the 2014 Savannah
Preservation Festival.
This year’s theme, “Raise the Roof,” has a celebratory flavor and features three days of
education, outreach and inspiration. Savannah’s annual celebration of National Preservation
Month will officially kick off on Thursday, May 8 with a free lecture by renowned preservation
economics expert Donovan Rypkema, a panel discussion and a reception.
The festival will offer three different tours showcasing some of Savannah’s most impressive
preservation achievements and will culminate with the Raise the Roof Party on Saturday, May
10. Savannah is set to host the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual conference in
November of 2014, making this year’s Savannah Preservation Festival particularly timely and
relevant.
“During the 2014 Savannah Preservation Festival, we want to celebrate Savannah’s commitment
to preservation and share our secrets with visitors from across the country and around the world,”
said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “We invite anyone with
an interest in preservation to attend the festival and help us raise the roof.”
Here is a quick overview of the 2014 Savannah Preservation Festival schedule:
Donovan D. Rypkema Lecture, Preservation Panel Discussion and Reception
Thursday, May 8
6 p.m.
Arnold Hall, 1810 Bull St.
Free
Donovan D. Rypkema, principal of the Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic
development consulting firm PlaceEconomics, will discuss the economic impact of historic
preservation in Savannah. Rypkema has been honored with the National Trust’s Louise du Pont
Crowninshield Award, the organization’s highest honor, for his significant contributions to
historic preservation and economics. A panel discussion of timely preservation issues and a
reception will follow Rypkema’s lecture.
SCAD Adaptive Reuse Tour
Friday, May 9
10 a.m. – noon
Departing from the Clarence Thomas Center, 439 E. Broad St.
$35 per person
Since its founding in 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design has demonstrated its deep
commitment to historic preservation by giving new life to many of Savannah’s most significant
landmarks. Today, former educational, industrial, commercial and religious buildings serve as
vibrant classrooms, studios, galleries, and lecture halls. Tour some of SCAD’s signature
buildings, located throughout downtown Savannah.
Preservation Wine Tour
Friday, May 9
6 – 9 p.m.
Locations throughout Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District
$75 per person
Tour five of Savannah’s finest private homes, including HSF Preservation Award-winning
properties, and hear the preservation stories behind these architectural jewels. Sample fine wines
paired with gourmet appetizers during this informative walking tour in the heart of in Savannah’s
Landmark District.
HSF Revolving Fund Presentation and Trolley Tour
Saturday, May 10
10 a.m. - noon
Kennedy Pharmacy, 323 E. Broughton St.
$35 per person
See preservation in action in one of America’s most beautiful cities! This informative
presentation and exclusive tour provides a narrated overview of some of Savannah’s most
impressive preservation success stories, including new projects like the P.J. O’Connor House and
the Major John Berrien House. All of the properties on the tour have been part of HSF’s
Revolving Fund, which has helped save nearly 360 architecturally-significant structures
throughout the city.
Raise the Roof Party
Saturday, May 10
7-10 p.m.
Ships of the Sea Museum, 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
$75 per person
Celebrate Savannah’s remarkable legacy of preservation at the Raise the Roof Party. Sample
cuisine by some of the city’s finest chefs and enjoy live music by vocalist Trae Gurley and The
Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Toast the power of preservation at this high-energy soiree, which
celebrates the spirit of community.
Savannah Preservation Festival ticket packages are available at www.myHSF.org. An AllAccess Pass, which includes admission to all events as well as a discounted HSF Preserver
Membership, is $250. A 20% student discount is available on all ticket prices.
For more information, please contact preservationfest@myHSF.org or call 912.233.7787.
ABOUT HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION:
Historic Savannah Foundation is a non-profit historic preservation organization supported by a
strong and dedicated membership. HSF was established in 1955 in order to save the 1820 Isaiah
Davenport House from demolition. From this initial project, Historic Savannah Foundation
launched a Revolving Fund which has since saved nearly 360 buildings. The mission of Historic
Savannah Foundation is to preserve and protect Savannah’s heritage through advocacy,
education and community involvement. For more information, visit www.myHSF.org or
www.DavenportHouseMuseum.org.
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