Murray’s History and Architecture
Deserve to be Loved by Future Generations
Historic Murray First Foundation recognizes the wonderful history and architecture that survives within our city limits. Our mission is advocacy, education, and fundraising to preserve and repurpose the unique architecture of Murray City. Through generous contributions and grants, we seek to partner with donors and our local Murray citizens to maintain the architectural integrity that remains in our community.
By preserving and rehabilitating these physical reminders of our past, we can create a sense of place and an environment that instills civic pride and community spirit.
Historic preservation is a forward-looking, economic development, and community revitalization strategy:
- It provides naturally available affordable housing
- Creates hidden density
- Older buildings are built at human scale and lend themselves to walkability
- Historic preservation conserves resources and reduces waste
- Adaptive reuse is a sustainable alternative to demolition
- Despite common misconceptions, rehabilitation often produces a cost savings compared to new construction
- Historic buildings have a higher concentration of local business, and funds spent in these businesses typically stay local
- Property values are often higher for historic buildings, which also increases tax revenues
More importantly, we recognize the important role that historic preservation plays in shaping communities for the present and the future. By preserving and rehabilitating significant cultural and historic resources, we are able to learn from the past in order to improve, enrich, and even enliven the Murray City that is passed to future generations. By not preserving, we stand to lose the already tenuous grasp we have on our past. If we do not work to preserve the diminishing presence of our historic places we undermine the stability and strength of our future communities.
FAQ
HMFF sees the remaining buildings in Murray’s downtown as placeholders of its past that deserve to stand as a connecting point for Murray citizens of all generations and as an economic driver once restoration has taken place. Historic buildings impart character and provide counterpoints of interest and stability to a place being taken over by new developmental infill. A healthy and vibrant community needs a good balance of both the old and the new to continue thriving and serving its people.
Murray City does not have a historical preservation focus outside of the grassroots efforts of community citizen groups like Historic Murray First Foundation. We are the advocacy bridge connecting the desires of the community to their representatives in local government on the issue of historic preservation.
HMFF would like to raise at least $4,000,000 to bridge the fundraising gap in the Murray Theater restoration project. We are also focused on finding a private buyer to purchase the old Arlington School, which currently houses Murray City Hall and will be left at risk of demolition when the city moves to its new location.
HMFF has 501(c)3 status with the IRS, allowing you to claim your contribution as a deduction.
Our mission is advocacy, education, and fundraising to preserve and repurpose the unique architecture of the historic downtown section of Murray city which is at immediate risk of demolition and redevelopment.
