The Greenest Building is the One You Don’t Build

With the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, $6.7 billion has been allocated for renovations and repairs to federal buildings, including at least $6 billion focused on increasing energy efficiency and conservation.

These provisions mark a critical shift in the way we think about green buildings: existing buildings – not just new buildings – are critical to a low-carbon economy. In fact, the greenest building is the one you don’t build. Read more of the Environmental Leader article.>>

Image from Metro Jacksonville's story “An Era Gone By: Downtown Retail.”

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has an interesting take on the new stimulus plan that President Obama just signed into law. Read how this could effect preservation.

Have You Seen Any Meskers?

Do you even know what one is? If so, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency wants too know! They are conducting and extensive, nationwide search to locate and identify so-called Mesker buildings. These buildings have ornate, sheet-metal facades and were built mainly in the late-1800s to early-1900s. They are a product of two companies – the Mesker Brothers Iron Works of St. Louis, Mo., and the George L. Mesker Company of Evansville, Ind. Although owned by brothers, the two companies operated independently. Producing similar products with architectural motifs rooted in the Classical Revival style, the companies are distinguished through subtle identifying characteristics. These companies specialized in storefront columns and cornices to entire facades made of the galvanized steel and cast iron construction.

"Meskers" can be found all across America but especially in small towns. If you have seen any here in Jacksonville or have seen any in your travels, please contact www.gotmesker.com.