On 2006-11-15 09:53, GatorRob wrote:
Here's one thing that I don't understand because I just don't know much about the subject. These places that we all want to preserve are businesses. Not Lincoln's log cabin, but operating businesses. Let's say we get the Mai-Kai on national and local preservation lists. What happens if some years from now the Thornton family decides that it is no longer a viable operation and closes the doors. Are they not allowed to sell to a developer because it's protected? What becomes of the Mai-Kai? Turn it into a museum? The Thornton's have run the Mai-Kai lovingly for decades. I would hate to think that if they wanted to pack it in that they would not be able to sell and reap the financial rewards, as much as I want the Mai-Kai to be saved. Perhaps for these reasons, the Thorntons may not want the Mai-Kai to be protected. These are serious questions that I ask simply because I don't understand the implications of government protection for a building owned by a business.
GREAT questions guys!
I will continue to answer all questions that I can! :D To GatorRob's heartfelt question: Remember I mentioned above the, "double edged sword"?
Here's what that means, Anyone can sell a Historical Landmark/Registered property but it may limit the number of buyers because the new owner CAN'T CHANGE IT OR TEAR IT DOWN TO BUILD ANOTHER WALGREENS/WALMART!
The Jasmine Tree could still have been sold but the City of Portland would not be allowed to tear it down to extend their light rail system.
While the Thornton's own it there are tax breaks for them, (Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program is one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective community revitalization programs. http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/TPS/tax/ ).
How this effects OUR property we have to get a permit of HISTORICAL APPROPRIATENESS before we are allowed to make any changes to our building. Which is a pain in the ass sometimes but it does insure that the neighborhood keeps it's historical look. This means, (for US and ONLY within our city and codes), that for anything that can be seen from the street we can not use concrete, (unless faced with a natural looking stone surface), no chain link fences, no metal siding, no vinyl or metal window frames and so on.
Does this mean that our property values don't increase?
On the contrary, we have DOUBLE our investment in only 3 years!
Yes, there are some inconveniences to being Historically Registered, (on the flip side it may likely even INCREASE THEIR BUSINESS since many places are listed online as places of interest to visit). Also if you try to look at it as the Thornton's "Buddy or Friend", and we all have made friends with the owners of a Tiki location somewhere, then no one is going to register any properties, they will continue to be changed and demolished and in another 20 years there will be only the Tiki chains popping up like Hard Rock Cafes and Tiki Central will be called "TIKI MEMORIES".
I'm offering everyone the knowledge and ideas on what YOU can do as an individual to help protect our Tiki treasures for the future. What you do with that knowledge is up to you!
Otherwise pray that the Poly Pop Museum becomes a reality because that's where we'll all be going to see any of favorite Tiki Locations! :cry:
On 2006-11-15 10:33, Tom Slick wrote:
The biggest part in "saving" your local business is by becoming a regular patron and spreading the news of the wonderful place. That is the first step into preserving local landmarks. Being a regular customer and always telling friends and family is probably the most crucial promotions you can do for an establishment.
...If everybody felt like this and did the same, I highly doubt this topic would even be brought up..(unless the property was leased,which is a whole different ballgame.)
Thank you Tom,
I need to point out that that is a misconception!
A LOT MORE needs to be done other than patronizing a restaurant or bar to keep it open. My wife and I have family in the restaurant industry and speak from experience. People lose interest, (it's a lot of work), rents/leases increase, in the case of The Jasmine Tree, (besides the City's interest), the owner had a stroke and his wife didn't want to run it.
Do you think that there were not enough people going to the Red Lion Hanalei Hotel in San Diego and The Islands Restaurant - Now home to TIKI OSASIS?
Did an entire Tiki Convention save the Hotel/Restaurant from change?
No!
Do you know how many times they've already changed the front of the building, the name, etc.?
Registering a location as a Historical Landmark HELPS to prevent these changes - REGARDLESS OF WHO OWNS IT.
Why is anyone making excuses?
If you love Tiki, want to preserve it for your enjoyment in the future and children's future then get on it! No one is asking you for money or volunteer time, besides the time it takes to be active about doing something to save these locations or a small membership fee, (less than the cost of a collectable Tiki Mug), to join an association to help preserve our future!
