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Preservation Strategy Conference Focuses on Revitalizing Downtown Paducah

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

The Kentucky Heritage Council, Preservation Kentucky Inc. the Kentucky Main Street Program and Paducah Main Street invite the public to a full day of information and discussion about the historic preservation of downtown Paducah this Saturday at Maiden Alley Cinema and the River Discovery Center. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Kentucky Heritage Council's executive director and state historic preservation officer Craig Potts about the conference, focusing on revitalizing downtown neighborhoods.

The day of information and discussion about historic preservation is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Maiden Alley Cinema and the River Discovery Center with local sponsorship by Ray Black & Son, Inc. and Independence Bank. The event includes informational presentations in the morning on topics ranging from improving efficiency in historic buildings to boosting heritage-based tourism. At 1:30, Steve Ervin, Charlie Doherty and Sharon Poat present the keynote that includes recommendations offered by "Walkable City" author Jeff Speck.

"Paducah has a very strong sense of place and values its heritage, and it's doing a lot to capitalize on that heritage and culture as an economic development tool. We have certainly taken notice of some of the creative things that the city has done, particularly in the areas of real estate."

Craig Potts says this event is part of the education and outreach regularly done by the Kentucky Heritage Council, each installment focusing on different tools and programs offered tailored specifically to the region. He says Paducah has the opportunity to be a backdrop for other cities across the Commonwealth, to learn about creative initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods.

See the schedule for Saturday's free preservation conference.

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Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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