A new era of leadership has dawned for Preservation Dallas, with the enthusiastic appointment of Carolyn Howard as its new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive search and selection process, the board convened last night, offering its unanimous approval to Howard, signaling a collective confidence in her ability to guide this vital organization into its next chapter. Her arrival is celebrated as an exceptional match, promising to infuse renewed energy and strategic vision into the ongoing efforts to safeguard Dallas’s irreplaceable architectural and cultural heritage. This pivotal transition is poised to strengthen Preservation Dallas’s capacity to champion its mission, ensuring the unique stories and structures of our city continue to thrive for generations to come.
Since its inception in 1972, Preservation Dallas has been a formidable non-profit force, singularly dedicated to the meticulous preservation and vibrant revitalization of Dallas’s historic buildings, cherished neighborhoods, and diverse architectural and cultural resources. For over half a century, it has served as the unparalleled authority and indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand or engage with local historic preservation initiatives. The organization’s comprehensive approach encompasses fervent advocacy for sites facing demolition, engaging educational programs designed to raise public awareness, and a committed team of staff and volunteer board members. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide expert answers, navigate complex challenges, and champion the enduring protection of our shared history, ensuring that Dallas’s distinctive character remains intact.
One of the most significant achievements illustrating the profound impact of Preservation Dallas is its instrumental role in establishing the vital Demolition Delay overlay. This crucial protective measure was conceived and implemented in 2014, catalyzed by the sudden and shocking demolition of four irreplaceable historic buildings in downtown Dallas—an event that underscored the urgent necessity for more robust safeguards. Preservation Dallas spearheaded the initiative, working tirelessly with city officials, community leaders, and concerned citizens to introduce these essential overlay areas, particularly in historically significant neighborhoods such as East Dallas and Oak Cliff. These overlays provide a critical pause, allowing time for viable alternatives to demolition to be explored, often resulting in the preservation of structures that might otherwise be lost forever. Without the steadfast dedication and strategic foresight of Preservation Dallas, countless iconic historic buildings and homes would have succumbed to unchecked development, irrevocably diminishing the distinctive charm and irreplaceable character of our beloved city. This proactive and protective framework remains a cornerstone of their ongoing commitment to Dallas’s urban fabric and cultural identity.
Steering an organization like Preservation Dallas is an incredibly demanding role, requiring a rare blend of leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering dedication. The Executive Director must adeptly navigate a complex ecosystem of stakeholders, ranging from engaging with intricate governmental processes, zoning commissions, and city officials on critical urban development policies, to carefully addressing the nuanced concerns of homeowners within Dallas’s historic districts. These homeowners often face unique constraints, such as guidelines on exterior modifications like the prohibition of painting historic brickwork, which, while vital for preserving architectural integrity, can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction. Concurrently, the role demands overseeing a relentlessly busy calendar packed with educational workshops, vibrant community events, crucial fundraising galas, and the highly anticipated historic home tours. This multifaceted schedule, requiring exceptional organizational skills and an expansive vision, would challenge even the most experienced leader. It calls for a dynamic individual capable of balancing broad public outreach with rigorous advocacy, all while upholding the core principles of the organization and ensuring its continued relevance in Dallas’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Preservation Dallas: A Legacy of Resilience and Forward Momentum
The recent history of Preservation Dallas’s leadership has been marked by a period of significant transition, presenting both notable challenges and exciting opportunities for growth. Last year, the organization saw the departure of its highly respected former Executive Director, David Preziosi, who moved on to lead the Texas Historical Foundation. Preziosi had cultivated a substantial legacy during his tenure, making his transition a formidable act to follow and initiating a crucial search for new leadership. While transitions inherently bring a degree of uncertainty to any organization, they can also serve as powerful catalysts for innovation and renewed vigor. During this critical interim period, the profound dedication and strategic guidance of Interim Executive Director Will Stovall and Board President Norman Alston became exceptionally apparent. Together, they skillfully rallied the entire Preservation Dallas team, not only maintaining the organization’s momentum but also ensuring the continued success of its vital programs and initiatives. Their collaborative and steadfast efforts underscored the deep resilience and unwavering commitment embedded within the very fabric of Preservation Dallas.
The interim leadership’s tenure proved to be remarkably productive, effectively laying a robust and stable foundation for the incoming Executive Director. Board member David Griffin reflected on this period with a profound sense of pride and optimism: “We are incredibly excited about our new Executive Director, Carolyn Howard. It initially felt like a rough year with our previous director moving on, which created a significant void that needed to be filled with great care and foresight. However, what has been truly impressive is the unwavering determination and exceptional effectiveness with which the entire board and staff have stepped up to make extraordinary things happen. We’ve not only maintained our operational excellence but have also celebrated our most successful Preservation Dallas Home Tour and annual awards event back to back. These signature events didn’t just generate crucial funding; they played a pivotal role in bringing our diverse community, dedicated members, and ardent supporters closer together, powerfully reinforcing our shared passion for Dallas’s unparalleled historic heritage.” This period undeniably showcased the profound strength and collective spirit that continually drives Preservation Dallas forward.
“With a dynamic and energized staff, a solid financial footing, and a growing membership that represents our strongest numbers in years, Preservation Dallas is not merely ready, but perfectly poised for a permanent Executive Director to confidently lead us into a promising future. Preservationist Carolyn Howard is uniquely qualified and possesses the ideal blend of experience and vision to elevate our organization to the next level. Her leadership will ensure we can continue to effectively safeguard our city’s irreplaceable historic places for generations to come, making her the perfect choice for Dallas at this critical juncture in its ongoing urban development and cultural stewardship.”
Preservation Dallas Interim Executive Director, Will Stovall
Carolyn Howard: A Preservationist with Deep Roots and Transformative Expertise
Carolyn Howard’s profound commitment to historic preservation is far more than a professional endeavor; it is a deeply ingrained passion forged during her formative years growing up amidst the historic charm of Dallas’s Park Cities. Her early life experiences cultivated a nuanced appreciation for enduring architecture and the inherent value of structures meticulously crafted to stand the test of time. Her father, a minister at Park Cities Baptist Church, oversaw the construction of its majestic sanctuary on Northwest Highway, offering young Carolyn a unique and immersive, front-row perspective. She witnessed firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and community effort involved in creating a building intended for lasting service and spiritual sanctuary. This early exposure to the foundational principles of durable construction, architectural legacy, and community investment profoundly shaped her worldview, igniting a fervent passion that would ultimately define her illustrious career path and propel her to become a leading voice in the dynamic field of urban conservation.
This foundational passion culminated in an extraordinary 25-year career with Main Street America, a highly successful and influential program spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Main Street America’s innovative methodology centers on the comprehensive revitalization of older historic and commercial districts. Its goal is not merely to restore architectural gems but to simultaneously invigorate local economies and foster stronger, more cohesive communities through a holistic approach. Howard’s extensive tenure with this esteemed organization provided her with unparalleled expertise across key areas: community-led development, economic restructuring, the development of historically sensitive design guidelines, and the implementation of effective promotion strategies tailored specifically for historic contexts. She gained invaluable, hands-on experience collaborating with diverse communities across the nation, learning how to expertly balance the imperative of preservation with the necessity of progress, and how to effectively mobilize grassroots efforts for sustainable urban renewal. This rich and varied background makes her exceptionally well-prepared to tackle the unique preservation challenges and opportunities inherent within a rapidly growing and evolving city like Dallas.
“Forty years later, Main Street America has unequivocally proven to be nothing less than a resounding success, powerfully demonstrating the enduring impact of community-led preservation and strategic economic development. Today, more than 1,600 organizations and countless dedicated individuals, spanning both the rural heartlands and bustling urban centers across the United States, proudly form the expansive Main Street America network. Collectively, their diligent efforts have generated an astounding socio-economic impact, contributing directly to the creation of over 600,000 new jobs and playing an indispensable role in the sensitive rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of nearly 300,000 historic buildings. This incredible track record profoundly underscores the multifaceted and tangible benefits of strategically investing in our historic downtowns and commercial corridors, reinforcing their vital role in community identity and economic vitality.”
Main Street America
Carolyn Howard is profoundly eager to channel the immense wealth of experience and the proven, effective strategies she acquired during her distinguished 25-year career at Main Street America directly into the core mission of Preservation Dallas. Her vision for the organization is crystal clear and deeply inspiring: to not only safeguard the city’s invaluable architectural treasures but also to cultivate a deeper, more inclusive sense of community ownership and active engagement in these critical efforts. “If I can take my experience and put it to work to be a part of saving the best of Dallas landmarks, that is exactly what I want to do,” Howard articulated with palpable dedication, emphasizing her personal commitment to this cause. She keenly recognizes that historic places often serve as powerful anchors of identity, memory, and belonging for individuals and communities alike. “Everyone has this place that reminds them they belong there. I felt that the minute I walked in the door of Preservation Dallas headquarters in the historic Wilson House. That’s the feeling I want everyone to have. I want them to feel like they want to be a part of this.” Her overarching goal is to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment where every Dallasite feels a personal connection to the city’s rich history and is empowered to actively contribute to its preservation and future.
Howard’s leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in the principles of collaboration, empowerment, and the strategic utilization of collective talents. “I’m excited about teamwork, and I’m so impressed with the pervasive sense of volunteerism that permeates this entire organization,” she noted, highlighting the indispensable role volunteers play in achieving Preservation Dallas’s ambitious goals. “This is truly a landmark organization, and I genuinely hope we can effectively harness everyone’s unique talent and passion. Our board members, in particular, possess an overwhelming amount of diverse experience and invaluable expertise, and I would absolutely love to plug in everyone, ensuring their insights and skills are fully leveraged for the advancement of our collective goals. I always believe everybody is somebody; it is crucial to ask them what they think and actively seek their input.” This inclusive philosophy powerfully underscores her commitment to collaborative decision-making and empowering all stakeholders within and beyond the organization. However, she emphasized that her initial and paramount priority is foundational understanding: “But the first thing I want to do is listen and learn.” This thoughtful and deliberate beginning will enable her to deeply comprehend the organization’s current dynamics, identify key opportunities for growth, and meticulously build a strategic roadmap for Preservation Dallas’s continued success and expanded influence in diligently protecting the irreplaceable heritage of our vibrant and dynamic city. Her highly anticipated arrival truly marks a promising new era, one focused intently on collaborative growth, profound community engagement, and sustained excellence in historic preservation for the enduring benefit of Dallas.