Gateway Tech now offering historic preservation arts classes

For the first time, Gateway Community Technical College in Covington is offering historic preservation arts classes. Stemming from an effort led by Progress with Preservation, a local group of Covington residents and regional advocates for the preservation of the region's architectural heritage, the Historic Preservation Arts programming continues its development through the input of regional historic preservation officers, tradesmen, real estate professionals, contractors and engaged citizens.

According to Patricia Mahabir, executive vice president at Gateway, the program is just one way Gateway is joining the movement to uphold the historic element in the area.

“The Historic Preservation Arts program is an excellent example of how Gateway can come alongside the community and become part of the energy and movement being led by stakeholders,” Mahabir says. “We have come to the table and are serving as a convener and catalyst to place greater focus on the importance of preservation. We just launched our first series of courses, most of which are focused on theory and developing a strong understanding of what historic preservation is and why it is so important.”

Mahabir began meeting with Progress with Preservation in June 2016, and began learning about the significant existence and importance of preserving the historic architecture of the region.

Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, stated: "In Kentucky, $1 million spent on rehabilitating a historic building adds $730,000 in household income to our state's economy — $95,000 more than $1 million spent on new construction.”

The significant shortage of skilled tradesmen in the Greater Cincinnati area has led to waiting lists of up to two years for restoration work on historic properties. In creating a program like this in the area, Gateway now has the capability of teaching young professionals and community members the importance of maintaining historic ground. 

The first course, Philosophy of Historic Preservation, began on Feb. 2. There are five additional courses scheduled this year, which are being taught by Beth Johnson and Steve Oldfield, who are both experts in historic preservation. The courses include Historic Preservation Standards, Urban Architectural Photography, Research of Early American Architecture, Application of Preservation Theory and Philosophy and Historic Preservation Practice.

For the last two classes, students will work with the City of Covington’s Historic Preservation Office and the Kentucky Heritage Council to complete the Kentucky Historic Resources Inventory, which will include all of the historic buildings in the City of Covington.

Because the courses are being offered as a pilot to the Community Education area, the courses are open to anyone. Each course has an associated fee ranging anywhere from $75-160. If the pilot courses go well, a second phase will be implemented to include credited courses as well as opportunities to join the energy in the community.

Mahabir encourages the community to join one of the upcoming events at Gateway's Urban Metro Campus in early March to learn more about restoration in the area.

“On March 11, Gateway will host the Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend on our Urban Metro Campus," Mahabir says. "This annual event draws more than 250 individuals from throughout the region and state who come together to learn about various aspects of historic preservation. From May 17-31, Gateway will host a special exhibit showcasing photography and work of students from the historic preservation courses and beyond, as May is Historic Preservation Month.”

For more information about the courses, program structure, costs and more, visit Gateway’s Community Arts Education page here.