Butler native to work on revitalization
Butler County native Mary Tate has been hired as the Tourism and Convention Bureau's new director of downtown revitalization and preservation.
“Initially, we need to find a way to facilitate a collaboration amongst the different entities so we aren't duplicating energy, time and money and try to direct it into one solid plan,” Tate said of her new position.
However, she said developing a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan will take time and can be challenging.
“Coming up with one comprehensive plan that encompasses community and economic development — all of those things work together for revitalization and have to be done in parallel with the understanding that that doesn't happen quickly. It can be an uphill battle. There's a lot to do. But that's OK; I like a good challenge.”
Her new role will be to develop public/private partnerships and bring an understanding of the use of preservation as a tool for community and economic development.
Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau President Jack Cohen said Tate's primary job will be to work with Butler Downtown in organizing a strategic plan for the revitalization of downtown Butler and the Main Street corridor.
“She's sharp and she was the right person to bring in for this project. It's great for us to have somebody that knows the community. I'm excited about it,” Cohen said.
Cohen said finding someone to fill the role will get the ball rolling on revitalization.
“There are great things happening on Main Street now. A lot of new businesses have moved in. We want to make sure they have the opportunity to be successful,” Cohen said. “The priority is Main Street. We have to chip away at all the issues that have brought Main Street to its knees and we have to figure out a way not to ever let that happen again.”
Tate, who is a 2001 Butler High School graduate, said her first objective will be to ensure all organizations invested in the downtown Butler business district are working cooperatively toward the same goal.
Butler County Chamber of Commerce President Stan Kosciuszko said revitalizing downtown Butler is key to improving business throughout the county and Tate's role will be integral in the initiative.
“A vibrant downtown is really the linchpin to a vibrant community. It's nice to see the tourism foundation using their money for that purpose,” Kosciusko said. “It's (the new director position) good news for everybody.”
Butler Downtown President Tom Graham said the organization is looking forward to working with Tate in creating a strategic plan for revitalization efforts.
“She's going to work on helping us with grant writing opportunities, helping us best find the best routes for historic preservation ordinances and things that we can present to the city to make Main Street vital again. It is vital and it's growing but she'll help coordinate those efforts a little better,” Graham said. “There are a lot of moving parts right now and we want to get them all going in the same direction and on the same page.”
Tate has a bachelor of arts degree in art and architecture from the University of Pittsburgh as well as a master of design studies in historic preservation from Boston Architectural College.
Over the last 12 years, Tate has lived in St. Augustine, Fla., and Plano, Texas, where she worked in roles as a private real estate developer and independent contractor for preservation services and as a preservation specialist and municipal clerk. She also has experience in grant and ordinance services and National Register nominations and historic tax credit applications.
