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BUILDING PATHOLOGY  |  ADAPTIVE REUSE  |  ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

about.

about.

Preservation Forward is an organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of historic buildings, led by Jessica Flores. We are committed to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of our communities. Our team works tirelessly to protect and revitalize significant historical structures, ensuring they stand the test of time for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

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AS FEATURED ON

Gillian Lancaster talks to Jessica Flores on the Brick Talk Live podcast about her background, work for the Michigan Government and now for her own business, Preservation Forward. Lots of gems about learning a trade, codes, women in conventionally male jobs, and educating the next generation.
Watch the YouTube episode of Strengthening Downtowns Through Historic Preservation by Michigan Downtown Association. Take a look at your downtown and be sure to notice the historic buildings that line the street. In this video, hear from Jessica Flores on why Historic Preservation is so important to the community and to our Michigan Downtowns.
Takin’ It to The Streets Planting Seeds of Preservation Across Michigan Webinar Recording 12/8/2022 by Michigan Historic Preservation Network. What’s a day in the life of a preservationist really like? Jessica Flores, Principal of Preservation Forward, shares her story of starting a small preservation business and how she has worked her way across the state to spread the important message of preservation. Among the topics Jessica will address are how to turn architectural eyesores into eye candy, how to designate a building or district, ways to educate your community on the economic role of historic preservation, how to navigate relevant laws for preservation using federal funds, the financial incentives that work favorably with historic preservation, working with absentee landowners during redevelopment, diagnosing old building problems and their resolution, and how to work through historic building loss, threats, and how to save old buildings.
Mt. Shasta has begun the journey to secure a place on the National Register of Historic Places. This week, preservationists Jessica Flores of @preservation_forward and Jenna Reed Walker @reed.walker.design.collective visited Mt. Shasta to document its rich history. Built in 1935 by Finnish craftsmen and officially opened in 1939, Mt. Shasta is a rare surviving example of mid-century roadside architecture, serving as a landmark for travelers along U.S. Highway 41 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It gained national recognition in 1959 when it appeared in Otto Preminger’s classic courtroom drama Anatomy of a Murder—a film starring Jimmy Stewart and based on a real U.P. murder trial. The restaurant has remained a cultural touchstone, with much of its original character and design still intact over the decades. To qualify for the National Register, a site must be at least 50 years old and hold significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Join us for an enlightening episode of our Brick Talk Live podcast featuring in-depth discussions with historic preservation experts Jessica Flores and Alan Pettingale. Together, they explore the vital importance of preserving our architectural heritage, sharing captivating stories and insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring historic buildings. From the intricate details of restoration techniques to the impact of preservation on community identity, this episode offers a rich understanding of why safeguarding our past matters for the future. Tune in to discover how these passionate advocates are working to keep history alive, one building at a time!
projects.

projects.

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services.

Preservation Forward provides comprehensive historic preservation services that blend education, technical expertise, and economic development strategies. Our core offerings include historic resource identification, building pathology and diagnosis of building conditions, and technical guidance on the redevelopment of historic buildings.

services
“We had a great experience working with Jessica on our project in Ionia, Michigan. Her insight and direction on historical preservation was beneficial and necessary to the successful outcome of our downtown project."

Wendy & Brian Fleming, WB Properties

clients
contact.

contact.

jessica@preservationforward.com

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