Oxford celebrates inaugural Historic Preservation Day, recognizes local preservation efforts

As Oxford city staff and consultants continue to develop the city’s first historic preservation plan and updated design guidelines, residents had a chance to appreciate some of Oxford’s most iconic Uptown buildings during the first Historic Preservation Day May 28.

Consulting firms McKenna and Preservation Forward, which are working on the city’s historic preservation plan, led the event. The day began with a kickoff at the Oxford Community Arts Center, constructed in 1849.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, residents had a chance to collect stickers and learn about local properties at stations scattered Uptown. The stops included Kofenya, the building that houses SnaZZy Boutique on Elm Street, 214 W. Church St. and 103 W. Walnut St. At 2 p.m., Tom Ellis led a tour of RedLife Coffee in Alexander House, and Jim O’Donnell led a tour of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, known as Fiji.

In the evening, Ellis was recognized with a historic preservation award for his work to restore the Alexander House. Residents Bob Wolfe and Tony Miller also received awards for their work to preserve the historic character of their properties.

Wolfe, 95, grew up in the home he now resides in. The house was originally constructed in 1810. When Wolfe’s grandfather and his grandfather’s friend purchased the home, they used a team of mules to move the whole structure to its current location.

“To be involved with historic preservation and preserving a home, it takes a lot of willpower and belief,” Wolfe said. “A house is not merely a box that has an interior … It’s an interior space that includes memories and things that you cherish.”

Oxford began work on its historic preservation plan last October after contracting with McKenna.