It’s the 40th anniversary of the defeat of a highway that would have cut through this neighborhood and adjoining downtown neighborhoods; it also is the 40th anniversary of the neighborhood organization -- the SPHO -- that continues to provide an important voice for the community, historic preservation and the city of Raleigh

All programming is offered free of charge.

Where:  Panels and vignettes will be held at Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk Str., Raleigh 27601 

Friday afternoon, Sept 28: poster sessions, oral history samples, and panel discussions

• 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. panelists presents background history of urban renewal in Raleigh with a focus on Oakwood and the defeat of the 1972 proposed highway that would have bisected the neighborhood 
• 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. panelists will present and discuss the opportunities and challenges in a growing downtown for affordable housing, preservation and planning
• A reception with light refreshments will follow the second panel

Saturday afternoon, Sept. 29: Vignettes of Historic Oakwood, by Burning Coal Theatre actors.

About the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood

The SPHO is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated for the past 40 years to the preservation and improvement of Oakwood and the surrounding areas. Oakwood is the only intact nineteenth century neighborhood in Raleigh. In recognition of Oakwood's importance as a valuable, tangible reminder of Southern urban life during the 19th and 20th centuries, the neighborhood has been listed as an historic district in the National Register of Historic Places. The City of Raleigh designated Oakwood as its first “local historic district” in 1974 to ensure that the physical charm and special character of the neighborhood is maintained. As part of the “local historic district" designation, all exterior changes are subject to design review by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission.

Media Contact:

Agnes Stevens

919-417-0858

Stevens4202@bellsouth.net