2023 Saving Places Conference

Saving Places® 2023 Conference:
Closer to the Heart

FEBRUARY 8-10, 2023 in Boulder

Colorado Preservation Inc. is proud to have presented another successful Saving Places Conference. Over 600 people joined us in-person and online as we heard from presenters from across the country, representing preservation practitioners of all kinds. We sat shoulder-to-shoulder (literally and symbolically) with our peers, colleagues, partners and friends to learn about how we can advance historic preservation practices that are closer to the heart.

In reflecting on the messages and stories shared two key messages kept emerging. First, there is a significant strengthening of evidence base that supports social and economic support of historic preservation. Continued academic analysis of consumer (personal) preference to live in and have experiences in storied places provide the scientific underpinnings for increasing support for and of historic preservation planning and practice.  Another key message that we heard is that providing a microphone for and enhancing capabilities of all stakeholders with interest in place is crucial to inclusive and transformational preservation practices. This includes enhancing capacities to shape preservation work and to overcome technical, financial, planning, organizational and behavioral barriers that have excluded marginalized peoples. It was an inspirational three days.

During our time together we had the opportunity to get to know our sponsors, partners, and each other. On Thursday’s Preservation Marketplace event we got to visit with our sponsors and exhibitors booths, and participate in the Endangered Places Silent Auction, during which the EPP program raised over $8,000. Thanks to our many melophiles in attendance, we were alerted to the need to listen to the song Closer to the Heart by the Canadian rock band Rush. On our final morning together we opened the session with this anthem which calls for the listener to work to make a better place. In signing off, we share with you with these lyrics as a reminder of what we learned and what we can now do with our knowledge to create a practice closer to the heart.

And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart

The blacksmith and the artist
Reflect it in their art
They forge their creativity
Closer to the heart
Yes closer to the heart

Philosophers and ploughmen
Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality
Closer to the heart
Yes closer to the heart, yeah

You can be the captain
And I will draw the chart
Sailing into destiny
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart

Thank you to our Sponsors!

On Demand Content

Conference attendees interested in viewing On Demand Content may do so by accessing the Attendee Hub. On Demand Content will be available for review for six months (ending 7/10/2023). To access content login to the Attendee Hub:

Donate to CPI

We hope you will extend your appreciation for Colorado's heritage by helping us take advantage of this $1 to $1 matching campaign. Learn more about our matching campaign and make your tax-deductible donation today!

Featured Project

Preservation for a Changing Colorado

Historic preservation has a direct economic benefit to communities and Colorado! Take a look at the 2017 study, which considered the ways adaption of historic places has a direct financial effect on the state.

This updated, most resent study, was the result of a partnership between Colorado Preservation, Inc and History Colorado, funded by a grant from History Colorado's State Historical Fund. Prepared by Clarion Associates, the new report document the economic benefits of rehabilitation projects, analyzes property values and neighborhood stability in local historic districts, and summarizes the increasing impact of heritage tourism, private preservation development and the success of Colorado’s Main Street program.

In a key finding, researchers determined that for every $1 million spent on historic preservation in Colorado it produced $1.03 million in additional spending, 14 new jobs, and $636,700 in increased household incomes across the state!

The 2017 report also considers the important role preservation plays in helping Coloradans provide new spaces for creative communities and co-working, create and sustain meaningful places, responds to the state’s changing demographics, and addresses climate concerns.

Click Here to see download and read the full report, "Preservation for a Changing Colorado".