Five Questions With: Rachel Robinson

Rachel Robinson joined the Providence Preservation Society as director of preservation in 2017. A Tennessee native, she is the former executive director of the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation and Felicity Redevelopment Inc., both located in New Orleans.

Robinson holds a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia, as well as a master’s degree in historical and sustainable architecture from NYU London, an academic center of New York University in London.

PBN: You’ve served as director of preservation at the Providence Preservation Society for a year now. What have been the biggest achievements you’ve helped attain in that time and what are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

ROBINSON: In my first year at PPS, and in Providence, the biggest challenge has been coming up to speed on all of the projects in the pipeline or under construction/restoration and the city’s long legacy of [preservation] success stories and failures.

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Providence is not averse to undertaking massive projects, [such as] rerouting the interstate, and it’s exciting to see how these changes will shape the future city. Meanwhile, we will continue to advocate for historic preservation and good design and planning.

PBN: You previously worked in the preservation industry in Louisiana. What are the biggest differences between the preservation industry’s priorities there and here?

ROBINSON: Preservation challenges are similar across the country, but Providence and New Orleans are similar in their colorful political histories and enviable stock of historical buildings.

Previously, I worked in nonprofit preservation in New Orleans’ French Quarter at the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation and for a revolving fund called Felicity Redevelopment. New Orleans has benefited from rebirth and renewal since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and it was fun to be a part of [that resurgence].

PBN: What, if anything, has surprised you about the local preservation industry?

ROBINSON: I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how collaborative and accessible people in Providence, and Rhode Island in general, are. I have wonderful colleagues in the preservation field here and when I don’t know something, I know who to ask. The climate in New Orleans was a little more territorial – we joked that there were a lot of kids in the French Quarter sandbox.

PBN: At the organization’s 15th annual Winter Bash, held in March, more than $30,000 was raised. How will that money help propel the PPS mission?

ROBINSON: The money we raise goes to work immediately to support our ongoing advocacy and education efforts. Thanks to the financial support of this community, we will continue the work of our mission.

PBN: What can we expect next from the PPS?

ROBINSON: PPS is at an exciting point. We recently celebrated our 60th anniversary and are reflecting on the history of the organization while reinforcing our legacy of preservation with contemporary [preservation-based] philosophy. This includes environmental sustainability and resiliency, cultural inclusivity and economics.

Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.