By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
The Opelika Historic Preservation Society’s annual membership kickoff drive will be held Oct. 18 from 7-8 p.m. at the Brownfield House.
Opelika businessman Richard Patton and David Hill of the Auburn-based architecture firm HILLWORKS will lead a program during the event titled “Bringing New Life to Opelika’s Historic Past.”
Patton, along with others, is leading projects that will convert a portion of First Avenue into an entertainment space and construct a new subdivision in the historic Southside neighborhood.
“The program will focus on the revitalization that Richard is leading in some of Opelika’s oldest, most historic areas in the downtown area. He’s helping to bring back life to (the city’s) historic past,” said OPHS member Shane Dickerson.
Another important aspect of the event is adding members to the society, which shares a similar vision to Patton’s of promoting positive growth while maintaining and preserving a beautiful historic downtown district, according to Dickerson.
“The money that our members give each year is given directly back to the Opelika community in some of historic preservation. As you drive around Opelika, I would say that probably 98 percent of the historic markers that you see were paid for by our organization,” Dickerson said.
Those interested in joining can do so not only on the night of the event, but year-round, Dickerson added.
Following are the society’s yearly membership options:
– $15 for anyone 35 years old or under
– $25 for singles or families
– $50 for sponsors or businesses
– $100 for patrons
– $1,000 for lifetime membership, which does not require annual renewal.
For more information on the society and its offerings, like and follow their Facebook page or call 334-749-0898. The house is located at 611 N. 8th St.
