As you may know, I recently stepped down from my role as Executive Director of Roslindale Village Main Street. One of the highlights of my experience working at RVMS was activating the long-vacant Roslindale Substation. This building used to be one of Boston's switching stations for the streetcar system, which no long runs above ground. Having been vacant since 1971, the Substation was an eyesore in the Roslindale community. After years of advocacy and the committment of developers and volunteers, the building was able to be revived. In 2016, we held small pop-up movie nights and community meetings, and in 2017, we were able to have a temporary winter beer garden for four months. From there we had an art co-working space, and we now have the Turtle Swamp Beer Garden: finally --  a permanent tenant, after 40 years of being vacant! In 2020, the Roslindale Substation won a Boston Preservation Award -- you can watch our award video here. 

Now I am proud to serve as a Board member of the Boston Preservation Alliance, https://www.bostonpreservation.org. Our mission is straightforward: to positively influence the future of Boston's historic buildings, landscapes, and communities. More than any other city in America, Boston represents the origins of our great nation, and preserving these treasures as the city evolves allows current and future generations from around the world to appreciate the foundational history of our country. It's a cause I have become passionately attached to and one I feel benefits so many well beyond just Boston's own citizens.

May is National Preservation Month, and I am reaching out to you to ask for your support so that the Boston Preservation Alliance (a 501(c)(3) organization) can continue to advocate for the preservation of the significant and meaningful structures, landscapes, and neighborhoods of this great city.  If you can help this year, I would be grateful.  Even if you cannot, thank you for letting me share a little bit about a cause that means so much to me.  Be safe and stay well.

Alia

For over 40 years the Boston Preservation Alliance has served the residents of Boston as a nonprofit organization that protects and improves the quality of Boston's architectural and cultural heritage. Through advocacy and education, we bring people and organizations together to influence the future of Boston's historic buildings, landscapes, and communities.

Without our members, donors, and community partners, our voice would fall silent–a growing membership makes our voice stronger because together we make Boston better. 

Check out the projects we're currently engaged in and thank you for your continued consideration and support. 

Non-members who donate $60 or greater will receive an annual membership.