Passion for Preservation: An Essay

Nicole Lopez, Springfield Resident since 2007 

 

      During the winter of this year I was alarmed by the number of historic homes in Springfield that were being demolished systematically one by one.  I had once held the thought that there was NO way possible one could demolition a home in a historic neighborhood, not any more.   

I have witnessed many homes disappear since the summer of 2007, leaving behind scant remnants of tile, shingles, wood pieces on the surface in which “she” once stood.  A graceful home destroyed leaving a scar on the plot she once graced.   

I have minimal understanding and certainly NO acceptance of the demolition of homes in a Nationally Recognized Historic Neighborhood; none whatsoever.  I purchased here in Springfield because I knew that the historic codes, rather I thought the historic codes, in place to protect the unique history and character would be used to maintain the integrity of the old; that each house and its stories within would be preserved and passed on for generations to come.   Unfortunately this thought is not a collective one, and has not been fully embraced by the powers that be.   

I did not know is that the City of Jacksonville would change it’s policies in an effort to clean up their records and instill a practice that requires owners of each and every property in the restoration/renovation process to “repair or demolish,” in 6 months time.  I did not know I would see so many houses, structurally sound houses, torn down with complete disregard for a historic neighborhood.  This practice is absolutely insane and must change. 

Demolition is a nasty word and the city has taken full ownership of it.  I decided early on that I would not, but rather I would take ownership of the word preservation.  This word has so much more meaning and possibilities behind it than the word demolition does.  In this case, when a house is gone, it is gone.  There is NO way to get her back.  There is no rewind button, no reverse gear, no magic wand to bring her back.  But the word preservation has possibilities, promise.   By taking on the word preservation as the forefront of effort in Springfield there is promise.    

 

There is hope.  

None of us can go back and change the past; we can’t undo what has been done.  We CAN look to the past and learn, but only in a determined effort to work together, setting aside differences, for positive change in the effort to preserve the remaining homes left in Historic Springfield.  Demolition speaks to finality.  The end.  While preservation holds a promise for the future; a vision, a hope.  

 

* * *

 

      There are lots of inspirations and uplifts that have brought about change in this last month.  It started with a heart on a piece of plywood painted lovingly on an abandoned house that was guerrilla boarded.  The attitude of “just do it,” and not waiting for policy to enact securing the house is going to save our homes.  WE are going to save the homes in Springfield.  It moved on to an energizing community meeting about preservation, to SOS hearts on stakes and fences in front of homes in eminent danger for demolition, to gallons of donated paint, to a “Make it Happen” project, to a blasting internet awareness of homes in demolition danger in Springfield, to a late night begging for help and support from the Historic Preservation Commission, and closed with Miss Maggie’s weekend project completion.   

Through all this, it is obvious that the systems in place don’t work and a long-term solution is needed, and until the powers in the Historic Preservation Commission and the Code Compliance Office and come to an agreement we must take charge ourselves in efforts to protect, preserve, and beautify.  We must be vocal activists and work with these groups to make change happen.   

Is it really much trouble to run your lawn mower over the overgrown grass at the vacant house next door?  Is it really much trouble to zap another screw in the protective board covering the abandoned house across the street?  Is it too much trouble to plant a flower or two on the house on your block that is waiting for a new owner to come along?  I think it is not.  You have the power to make change happen.  WE are the only ones who can make change.  WE are the only ones who can preserve the homes in Springfield that still need the right person to come along and give her the love she so deserves.   

 

Springfield is a community of people from all economic backgrounds; we cannot ignore that fact.  We cannot ignore that there are some who live here that do not have the ability to help themselves.  An old home is a life long project.  I honestly don’t think it ever ends.  Someone just picks up where we left off when we are gone.  As a group of concerned neighbors, we need to be the ones to “pick up” where someone has left off, wherever that may be.  We have to look outside of our own walls and fences and reach out to help those who need help.  We are the ones that have the ability to make a difference in our neighborhood.  Kindness is contagious.   

 

* * * 

      Miss Maggie is a heartwarming example of preservation at its finest.  Miss Maggie has owned her home since 1963.  She was here before Springfield was a historic neighborhood.  She talks about vegetable gardens in her yard of tomatoes, collard greens, beans and the like.  She talks about the picket fence that once surrounded her yard and shows me a picture she says is from the 70s.  She talks with great pride about her home and her discouragement of not being able to keep it up.  Despite having a large family, she lacks the support she needs; a family dynamic not unusual.  Miss Maggie had been visited by Code Compliance because her home, in disarray from the exterior, was concerning for the city keen on “cleaning up” Springfield.  Multiple visits from the city Miss Maggie says.  “They gonna tear my house down” she said to me.  Then she adds “over my dead body, this is MY house.” 

 

She is a fiery, strong woman who adamantly believes Jesus will answer her prayers.  Well, ‘bout time he did I say.  And at that point, Miss Maggie seemed like the perfect candidate for a neighborly gesture of preservation.  So along come 50+ volunteers from Springfield and neighboring communities, with donated materials, to in one weekend, paint and landscape her home of 47 years.   

 

* * * 

      The greatest gift each of us has is in giving selflessly.  I well up with tears when I see the picture of Miss Maggie in front of her freshly painted and landscaped home.  Did you know that she danced and sang when she came out the front door when we were done?  For 86 years old she is sharp as a tack; and utterly appreciative to the neighborhood for uplifting her spirits and making her home beautiful once again.  We gave Miss Maggie and her family a new lease on life.  We gave them the inspiration and hope that was needed our kindness was contagious and the answering of prayers continue to happen for Miss Maggie.   

We did more than paint and landscape a house; we loved that home and we loved Miss Maggie.  As a community of caring and concerned people, we did this together. 

From this point forward every time I look at Miss Maggie’s home I will see each and every Springfield neighbor and friend who made this project happen.  There is a piece of each of us at her home.   

 

Preservation; we saved a home.   

We gave Miss Maggie a new spirit, and we improved the street and our neighborhood.   

This, my friends, has more power than a bulldozer taking down our homes.  This is what we need to do, what we must do.   

 

There is a long road ahead.  City policy needs to change to protect our historic homes.  We need to continue to make each other and others outside of Springfield aware that we are concerned, and that we are ready, willing, and able to help make change happen and instill the belief that preservation the only word that crosses the mouths of those involved in our community.  We have to take action, we have to maintain our vigilance at not taking “no” as the answer.   

 

I believe that everything is possible.   

 

I believe that every house can be saved.   

 

I believe that if our focus turns away from preservation we will lose the very fabric that makes this neighborhood as caring and loving as it is.   

I believe we can do this together. 

You didn’t have to participate in the Make it Happen preservation project to see the power of a community uplifting a neighborhood.  WE can do this together.  It takes everyone committed to preservation to work towards a better solution to protecting our homes in eminent danger.  This is a community that can do it; Miss Maggie is proof of that.