Savannah Renaissance - Hardcover

Adler, Lee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0941711692 ISBN 13: 9780941711692

Publisher: Wyrick & Co ,U.S., 2003

Synopsis

This is the story of how one city and a handful of dedicated citizens turned a genteel antebellum city into one of America's greatest urban success stories. Having survived more than 260 years of wars, hurricanes, and the Great Depression, Savannah was a prime target for a more subtle and elusive enemy -- the threat of losing its identity as a result of poorly conceived civic projects that placed no emphasis on retention of the classical city plan and its component architectural elements. This account shows how a few citizens worked individually and in newly formed organisations to redefine what they viewed as inappropriate urban planning for their city. It is also a story of the early days of the historic preservation movement, when few people valued the worth of a city by its historic and ethnic neighbourhoods and the ability of these historic districts to create an urban environment that was economically viable.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"Lee and Emma Adler didn't just watch it happen, they helped make it happen. Happily for all of us, the product of their vision, dedication, tenacity and hard work is a city that is one of the world's greatest treasures."
RICHARD MOE, President
National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Though synonymous with Savannah, the Alders' interests have known no boundaries. In a Texas town, a historic house stands because Lee visited and told them to save it. In Russia, the Adler name is found in the donor list at Pavlovsk Palace. Lee and Emma's preservation efforts are as extraordinary as the places thay helped save."
ANTHONY C. WOOD, Founder
New York Preservation Archive Project
"This is an important book for everyone who values the historic character of their own environment and may face threat to the preservation of these places. It is especially important for young professionals...who are often isolated from the challenges such as Savannah faced..."
ELIZABETH A. LYON
Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer, retired
"The Adlers story of the preservation movement in Savannah is to be treasured for its value as history and as a reminder of their significant accomplishments."
JOHN W. REPS
Professor Emeritus, Cornell University
"Nudging, leading, prodding and financing, Lee and Emma Adler have worked steadily for forty years to save this historic city that they love and that all of us have come to love."
ARTHUR P. ZIEGLER, Jr., President
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

From the Inside Flap

SAVANNAH RENAISSANCE Savannah, the city that James Oglethrope began planning in the 1730's, is distinguished by its incredible array of American historic architecture set amid a grid of city squares. But it was not always the protected and beloved historic city that we know and admire today. As the city emerged from the Great Depression, efforts to tear down the old and build modern new buildings and parking areas began to shape Savannah's future. A handful of individuals and newly-formed organizations made the difference in the future of the city by providing the vanguard of programs, ideas, financing and determined prodding that resulted in the historic city's renaissance. This is a story not just for lovers of historic buildings. It is a fascinating account of the origins of the historic preservation movements in urban America and a wonderful reminder that despite extraordinary challenges, doubting public officals, and a lack of legislative guidelines, a handful of people can and do make a difference in their community. Back Flap Copy Lee and Emma Adler, Savannah natives, are eminently qualified to tell the remarkable story of their city's renaissance. As leaders in the early preservation efforts in Savannah and thoughout the United States, they were at the forefront of the emerging preservation action in America. In addition to the many honors that they have received for their preservation and educational work, Lee Adler is the recipient of the Crowninshield Award presented by the National Trust as well as the National Medal of Arts, one of the highest honors in the nation. Jacket design by Sally Heineman Jacket photographs courtesy of Historic Savannah Foundation

Edition details

• Publisher: Wyrick & Co ,U.S.
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0941711692
• ISBN 13: 9780941711692
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96