Tish Key, president of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society, announces the nonprofit has changed its name to Preservation Park Cities (PPC) in order to be more consistent with other organizations who share the same goal (e.g. Preservation Dallas, Preservation Austin) and help with future name recognition.
“An underlying aim of our organization has always been to preserve the important elements of our past to inspire our future. Today we are excited to share some of that inspiration through our new branding initiative,” Tish said. “Our new name is easier to remember and is also part of our history. It harkens back to 2006 when the Park Cities Historical Society, which was founded in 1982, joined with then Preservation Park Cities and formed the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society. Both organizations recognized they were working for similar purposes and merged. Together the organizations have recognized over 180 homes and building sites, through rigorous valuation, with bronze plaques posted on each site. The current community-led Society is an active, cohesive organization that continues to protect and promote the historic, architectural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Park Cities.”
The new logo brings a more modern portrayal of the organization. The three windows represent the past, present, and future, while also depicting three Roman arches - consistent with PPC’s passion for architecture. And finally, the more traditional font ties the organization back to its roots.
Preservation Park Cities is supported by memberships, donors, benefactors and its special events and largest fundraisers, the Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon and the Historic Home Tour. This year, the luncheon is slated for Monday, October 4th at the Dallas Country Club and is chaired by Marla Boone. D Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief and CEO, Christine Allison will be speaking on “Our Forever Home - How We Fell In Love With The Park Cities.” Luncheon Honorary Chairs are the Honorable Joel and Susan Williams. Season Events Honorary Chairs are Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones. Preservation Sponsor is Highland Park Village. D Home is Presenting Magazine Sponsor. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at www.preservationparkcities.org
The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (now Preservation Park Cities) most recently received a Spirit of Preservation Award by Preservation Dallas along with Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones for preserving the Elbert Williams home at 3805 McFarlin Boulevard. The absolutely wonderful book, A House for Texas, authored by Larry Good with photos (including 58 interior photos) by Charles Davis Smith, is available via the website at www.preservationparkcities.org
The organization also is supported by the Classic & Antique Car Show, which is free to the public and happens this fall. Date to be announced. The Historic Home Tour happens in Spring 2022 and features distinguished homes in the Park Cities.
Membership in Preservation Park Cities is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to join. Community support is vital to preserving community awareness regarding the importance of protecting and promoting visual history along with architectural and cultural legacies of the Park Cities.
PPC membership benefits and activities include: Three educational meetings during the year, landmarking events honoring significant homes for architectural, historical or restoration merit, PPC Annual Spring Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Annual Classic & Antique Car Show, July 4th Parade and booth. Funds raised help preserve and maintain The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund the Society’s landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. For more information, visit www.preservationparkcities.org email info@preservationparkcities.org or call the PPC office (214) 528-0021.