Those of you who read last Friday’s issue of Tulsa World may have noticed the article, “Designing a Love for the Past in Brady Heights“, by our neighbor, Tim Williams. If not, it’s definitely worth digging in your recycling bin. Tim’s piece is a great introduction to the recent history of Brady Heights and the important role historic preservation plays in its continuing revitalization.

The article also addresses the reasons behind the association’s decision to become historically zoned. “The purpose of that action is saving the architectural and societal aspects of our history, not to create static museums of the past — simple dioramas — but to keep them alive and functioning with respect for the design and details of the original structure.”

Many of us who have moved to Brady Heights from other parts of Tulsa have a difficult time explaining our rational to outsiders. When Tim writes that his mom “cried for two days” after he moved into his “shell of a home” in 1982, it’s definitely a story most of us can relate too on some level– I think we’re all probably accustomed to wide-eyed and disbelieving reactions. Tim has articulated his attraction to Brady Heights so well, all we need to do now when confronted by naysayers is hand them this article and smile. It’s a real testament to the revitalization of our community that Tim’s mother now lives in the same neighborhood that brought her to tears less than thirty years ago.

Designing a Love for the Past in Brady Heights was published in the October 17th, 2008 issue of the Tulsa World.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently holding its annual conference in Downtown Tulsa, October 21-25. Visit PreservationNation.org for more information. For more information on historic preservation within Tulsa, visit The Tulsa Preservation Commission.