Panel Discussion: Restoring Community: Preservation as an Economic Driver
Encore Sustainable Architects Ward Bucher moderated a panel at the 2022 Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Annual Conference. The theme of this year's conference, held April 24-26, was The Future of Physical and Social Infrastructure for Economic Impact.
April 26 - 11AM - Panel Discussion: Restoring Community: Preservation as an Economic Driver
Across the nation, communities are desperately searching for a way to reconnect neighborhoods, people and opportunity in a meaningful way. Many cities are seeing a renewed interest in taking cues from places historically known for the “gathering together” of citizens, neighbors and others to help communities meet and engage for mutual social and economic growth. In this panel discussion we will explore how the historic restoration of several properties has revitalized residents, regions and economic outlook while fostering talent and cultural diversity.
Panelists will include:
Ward Bucher, AIA
Ward Bucher has nearly 50 years of experience revitalizing Mid-Atlantic regions through the reimagination of historic properties, Ward’s company, Encore Sustainable Architects provides historic and sustainable architect services to all featured properties. He is a registered architect in DC, Maryland and Virginia and has extensive experience in historic, new and green building design.
Ward has been the principal architect on numerous restoration and adaptive reuse projects for nonprofits, museums, offices, retail, and multifamily housing. With over 46 years of experience as a registered architect, he has worked with buildings at all levels of historic designation, from local to National Historic Landmarks. Ward meets the Professional Qualifications for Architecture, Historic Architecture and Architectural History under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
Dion Banks
Dion was born in Cambridge and is a lifetime NAACP member and avid Community Activist. Dion is integral to the Bethel AME church restoration and is exploring opportunities with an adjacent property as well.
From housing and educational initiatives to matters regarding social issues and sustainability, Dion D. Banks continues to press forward in an effort to have a seat at the table, ensuring the entire city is represented.
Margaret Norfleet-Neff
Margaret has a passion for developing projects with a commitment to the age-old human engagement that occurs “at the table” between food and community.
In the Packing Plant project, her work with Cross Street extends the historic community value of this food manufacturing facility into the future, helping to invigorate the neighborhood with a vibrant reinterpretation of the sprawling plant into an urban, sustainable mixed-use neighborhood built on entrepreneurial activity.
Katie Parks
Katie is a formidable development and real estate professional who is the director of development.
Katie was previously Vice President of Conservation at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy leading their programming across land conservation, community revitalization through the Center for Towns, and climate adaptation. Katie was instrumental in crafting the foundational partnership that led to ESLC’s critical role in the developing the Phillips Packing House in Cambridge, Maryland with Cross Street Partners, and other players.