As glass-and-steel high rises cast their long shadows over our older neighborhoods, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy works to ensure that communities maintain their distinctive flavor and authentic architecture.
“When this city was suffering from extensive urban decay, historic preservation kept the housing stock intact and attractive, and that allowed for the resurgence,” says Joshua Parkhurst, current conservancy president.
While the historic Hudson and Manhattan Powerhouse is the epicenter of the conservancy’s efforts, it is also battling to save St. John’s Episcopal Church from the wrecking ball. Both are celebrated structures that exemplify the value of historic preservation.
The conservancy hosts a series of year-round walking tours and special events. The group is informal and welcomes all residents of Jersey City. Membership is free.
“Historic preservation is supposed to be fun,” Parkhurst says. “You don’t have to have any special training. One of the important missions of the conservancy is to bring preservation down to earth and make people realize this is something for everyone.”-PAUL CHRISTOPHER DOWD
Visit jclandmarks.org/ ore-mail jclandmarks@gmail.com