by Michael R. Allen
Karen Heet is now Real Estate Coordinator for the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. Karen formerly worked for Millennium Restoration and Development Corporation where her work put her at the forefront of community-driven historic preservation work. I look forward to Karen’s involvement with my neighborhood. Some challenges ahead include development of city-owned land, dealing with Paul McKee’s holdings in Old North, developing design standards for the neighborhood and completion of the Mullanphy Emigrant Home project.
The Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance recently created the new position of Historic Preservation Specialist for Matt Bivens, who is now working on the “Crown Square” project almost daily. The creation of this position shows that RHCDA anticipates continued and growing involvement in historic preservation projects. This is also one of the most interesting new jobs in historic preservation created in St. Louis. Matt was one of my predecessors at Landmarks Association of St. Louis and most recently was serving as Senior Architectural Historian for SCI Engineering of St. Charles. Matt is energetic, tenacious and an asset to any organization.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Resources Office will soon be considering applicants for its new permit review position.