Almost Lost: Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Description

Almost Lost, Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan begins like a suspense novel, with the startling declaration, "We almost lost it." Turn to a full-page, black-and-white photograph of wrecking cranes demolishing the 1888 Romanesque Revival, Grand Rapids City Hall. That image clearly demonstrates what was at stake when well-meaning urban renewal projects threatened the old houses on Heritage Hill.

Thanks to local advocacy groups and government recognition, Heritage Hill Historic District is saved -- for all kinds of residents.

"Variety" is a keynote sounded throughout the story, from diversity of architectural styles, home cost and scale, to diversity of residential population. Author Thomas Logan identifies and discusses 15 major architectural styles found on Heritage Hill. Many black-and-white and warm color photographs, along with contemporary and modern drawings, illustrate each style with both "grand" and "humble" examples. A generous complement of maps serves to guide readers through the historical terrain.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-12-22
Summary: "As described"

The book looks new and was quickly shipped. I am please with my purchase.

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2004-10-19
Summary: "Amazing historic preservation story"

As a fan of historic architecture, this book not only gave me the visual pleasure of beautiful old Victorian-era houses through great photos, but also helped me to understand the important issues this community (and most likely others) face when fighting against industrial and commercial encroachment of historic neighborhoods. The story is a triumph for grass roots activism.