The complete renovation of Heritage Park in downtown Irving should make it clear to anyone that historic preservation is quite simply a labor of love.
Each week I talk to the people involved in every aspect of preservation. They all display such heart, passion, and dedication that there is zero doubt in mind preservation is a calling. It’s really inspiring when you consider all the divisive issues today that something like historic preservation can unite a community.
Heritage Park has long been a small quaint area with a central gazebo, but it was never really a big draw for people. Over the years there has been a lot of conversation surrounding redevelopment. As properties around the park became available, the city slowly purchased them. When the last parcel was acquired, allowing for the park size to double, redevelopment and restoration gained traction and an exciting redesign was developed for Heritage Park.
“We wanted the park to be a focal point of the city,” said Joseph Moses, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Irving. “We knew it would be a great amenity for residents living downtown and we wanted to update the park but preserve its history.”
Heritage Park includes the 1887 Caster Cabin which was salvaged after a fire and reconstructed by the Irving Heritage Society in 1988. Irving’s first library building is being renovated as an event space, and the water tower which originally stood in the middle of Main Street has been relocated to the park. The train depot was moved from Fate, Texas as a reminder of Irving’s origin as a railroad town and of course, the caboose is a highlight for all ages.
These historic restorations and updates are not for the faint of heart. A construction company that understands very specific historic needs was required. Specialists in restoration and companies that understand how to move historic structures were a necessity. An architectural firm that is well versed in both historic design and reconstruction as well as creating brand new buildings that are sympathetic to the landscape was essential.
The city put together a dream team of consultants, preservationists, architects, movers, and shakers. North Rock Construction has been overseeing the project. Architexas was brought on board as the architectural consultants and the legendary Ron Siebler of Siebler Remodeling and Historic Preservation is restoring the caboose. McMillan Movers did the deft work of putting the historic buildings into position.
“The challenge is trying to work with what we have,” said Garret Hardin, the Superintendent of North Rock Construction. “For instance, the library building had various fixes over the years. We have to make it structurally safe and architecturally acceptable for the client, so we have three to four inspections to make sure we meet the standards required today.”
The biggest challenge for all involved has been the weather. Spring brought 16 days of rain which stopped work completely. Then the site had to be allowed time to dry out. “We had so much water that the ducks moved into the standing water to nest up,“ Hardin said. “However, we are still on time and on budget!”
“We moved a lot of the amenities to the perimeter to provide more space inside the park,” Moses said. “I think the most unique thing we did was add an amphitheater so we can provide a variety of programming opportunities from movies and theatrical events to concerts. We plan to celebrate holidays here and we’re are looking forward to creating new traditions!”
The project is on target to be finished by the end of November, so mark your calendars and make plans to check out Heritage Park in early December to see just how beautifully historic preservation can bring communities together.
