This week's show focuses on restoration projects in four Texas cities. In Beaumont, we explore the architectural diversity and perfectly preserved homes. A trip to Galveston introduces a civic-minded couple who bought and restored Galveston's oldest home, then offered it back to the city. San Antonio's missions and historic districts are highlighted alongside the city's charming River Walk, with its cobblestone walkways and subtropical foliage. In Dallas, the former mayor's daughter discusses her preservation group's influence in the Swiss Avenue Historic District and on the grounds of the Texas State Fair.
Restore America visits St. Augustine, the oldest city in America. St. Augustine's Mayor, Len Weeks is restoring his city's historical district. In Tampa, Ybor City is being preserved one cigar maker's house at a time by Manny Alvarez whose immigrant grandfather instilled in him the importance of culture and preservation. Key West is the southern most city in North America and its property values are soaring due to the commercialism of the island. Norma Jean Sawyer is helping Key West residents afford homes while preserving the local culture. An finally, Miami Beach, the mecca for fashion, art deco and tourism is restoring South Beach Art Deco homes and hotels.
Arizona is preserving its past and restoring its heritage. In Winslow, Arizona, Hotel La Posada has been restored by a community effort. In Phoenix, the Rosson House was restored along with other homes and the area is now known as Heritage Square. Also in Phoenix, a multi-family dwelling called El Encanto brings tremendous satisfaction after being saved by a multi-tribal effort. Finally, in Tempe, the Elias Rodriquez House is being restored as Tempe Historical Property.
This episode of Restore America follows the Mississippi River up through the state of Louisiana. The show starts in New Orleans featuring the oldest black neighborhood in America, the Faubourg Treme. Next, we travel to Baton Rouge and feature a story on the Sanders family and their history with Huey Long. Then it is on to Port Allen to visit a plantation house that was once part of the 1884 World's Fair. We end in St. Francisville, a small town that is home to over 140 houses on the Historic Register.