Preservation Symposium Explores Community and Design

Historic preservation encompasses more than maintaining old structures. It involves preserving an entire community and enhancing its cultural identity. The Lake Forest Preservation Symposium, held from October 16 to 18, celebrated heritage, design, community, and future preservation efforts.

This event marked a collaborative effort by The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and Ragdale, commemorating their 50th anniversaries. Jennifer McGregor, the executive director of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, highlighted that the symposium assembled preservationists, architects, historians, architectural critics, civic leaders, national experts, and community members. They discussed the significance of historic places in shaping future American communities.

McGregor noted that while residents appreciate Lake Forest’s beauty, they may not understand preservation’s crucial role. Efforts in Lake Forest are carefully managed to balance development and preservation. The symposium offered a variety of programs, including workshops, panel discussions, architectural tours, historic home experiences, exhibitions, and receptions.

The symposium addressed how preservation is a tool for civic identity, thoughtful growth, design excellence, environmental stewardship, and cultural continuity. Locations included Ragdale, Lake Forest College, the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Center, Lake Forest Library, Market Square, and select historic properties.

According to McGregor, panelists were chosen for their diverse perspectives, generating varied discussions about the future of cities. Participants included leaders from Notre Dame’s architecture school, an architect of two of the world’s tallest buildings, a South Side architectural critic, and a global leader in vertical urbanism. They debated themes like Preservation vs. Progress: Who Owns the Future of our Cities.

Paul Sacaridiz, executive director of the Ragdale Foundation, emphasized the importance of preservation amid growing urban populations and development needs. Sacaridiz urged careful decision-making, considering whose voices are heard in planning shared spaces and how values manifest in the built environment.

Preservation is not in conflict with progress. Sacaridiz cited Ragdale as an example of thoughtful preservation facilitating growth and evolution.

McGregor observed that communities nationwide grapple with growth, sustainability, adaptive reuse, housing, resilience, and civic character issues. The symposium challenges the notion that preservation and progress are oppositional; it celebrated past achievements and promoted future-focused discussions relevant to communities everywhere.

Arthur H. Miller, Architectural Historian and Director Emeritus of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, shared insights about Lake Forest’s unique character. Since 1857, when Almerin Hotchkiss designed the curvilinear street plan, Lake Forest has focused on stewardship. The design followed natural ravines, later complemented by the 1916 Market Square, inspired by the Burnham plan.

Miller asserted that Lake Forest’s distinction lies in its community continuity, preserved through the residents’ vision and commitment. Generations have prioritized stewardship and preservation over convenience.