----- Original Message -----
From: Bryjka, Darius
To: Janet Ziegler
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:10 PM
Subject: RE: Opera House
Dear Janet,
I think that the Mesker facade of the opera house is magnificent but I’m not sure how it alone can generate tourism. Even if you get people to go and see it, there has to be something else for them to do and to sustain their interest. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t try. I think that you can begin by creating some publicity about the facade and how important it is. You can use me as a reference and I’ll gladly talk to any reporter about it. Are there any local papers that you have a good relationship with that you can call up to do a story? Maybe you can get in touch with the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science about the Mesker exhibit they held this year. Ouray , Colorado has borrowed some panels from the exhibit to display them at the local museum. Perhaps you can do the same; creating an exhibit that discusses the facade and the history of the Mesker companies could be a nice draw (?)
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, correct? I wonder how much the nomination talks about the facade. An interesting spin on the story would be to discuss how a building already recognized as historically significant acquires even more importance because of its rare facade.
These are just some quick ideas – there’s really no one solution here. I think that the facade can be used in many different ways and it’s up to you to take it as far as you want to.
Let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Darius Bryjka
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
One Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield , Illinois 62701
Phone: 217.782.8221
E-mail: darius.bryjka@illinois.gov
http://www.illinois-history.gov/
http://www.gotmesker.com/
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