2025 Central Texas Regional Preservation Summit:
The Future of Historic and Cultural Districts in Texas
Tuesday, June 24th in San Marcos
Historic and cultural districts have long been a cornerstone of local preservation efforts, shaping how communities protect and celebrate their heritage. The 2025 Central Texas Regional Preservation Summit will take a broad look at the state of these districts, examining their origins, evolution, and effectiveness as a preservation strategy.
This one-day gathering will be held at the LBJ Museum of San Marcos (131 N Guadalupe St.) from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Presentations will explore the challenges and successes of district-based preservation, with a focus on often-overlooked neighborhood types, including post-World War II working-class communities.
Designed for preservation professionals, city staff, historic preservation commission volunteers, community organizers, and nonprofit advocates, this summit will provide valuable insights and tools to strengthen local preservation efforts. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how historic and cultural districts can continue to serve as vital tools for protecting and enhancing the character of Texas communities.
Summit Schedule
8:30 a.m. | CHECK IN
Coffee & breakfast pastries will be provided9:00 a.m. | WELCOME & CENTRAL TEXAS UPDATE
Jesús Najar, Central Texas Program Officer, Preservation Texas9:15 a.m. | GRASSROOTS PRESERVATION: SAN ANTONIO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTRICT PROGRAM
Gloria Colom Braña, Ph.D., Cultural Historian, City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation10:15 a.m. | HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE: FLOOD MITIGATION IN HISTORIC ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Justin Newhart, Senior Scientist, Terracon
AIA CES approved. AIA members receive 1 LU|HSW (in-person attendees only).11:15 a.m. | BEYOND THE NATIONAL REGISTER: FIRST STREET TO MAIN STREET
Meredith Johnson, Texas Main Street Program Specialist, Texas Historical Commission12:00 p.m. | LUNCH
Boxed lunches will be provided1:00 p.m. | CULTURAL CONTEXT AND NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION: SAN MARCOS CASE STUDIES FOR ALTERNATIVE DISTRICT-BASED STRATEGIES
Dr. Ana Juárez, Associate Professor Emerita, Texas State University
Ryan Patrick Perkins, San Marcos Preservation Advocate
Evan Thompson, Executive Director, Preservation Texas2:00 p.m. | RECOGNIZING WORKING-CLASS AND POST-WAR NEIGHBORHOODS AS HISTORIC RESOURCES: ISSUES IN DOCUMENTING AND EVALUATING WORKING-CLASS HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Emily Payne, President & Architectural Historian, HHM & Associates
Kristina Kupferschmid, Vice President & Architectural Historian, HHM & Associates
Dr. Tara Dudley, Architectural Historian, HHM & Associates
AIA CES approved. AIA members receive 1 LU|HSW (in-person attendees only).2:45 p.m. | CLOSING REMARKS
Registration
Registration is now closed.
Member In-Person Registration: $45/ person
Non-Member In-Person Registration: $55/ person
Member Virtual Registration: $25/ person
Non-Member Virtual Registration: $35/ person