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KCDC Director Named Advisor
to National Trust

(Washington, DC, March 4, 2008) -- The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced today that KCDC Director Daniel Serda has been elected to its Board of Advisors.

Read the official press release.

Dr. Serda will serve as advisor to the national nonprofit preservation organization for an initial three-year term. He will join Topeka architect Vance Kelley as one of two Kansas representatives on the Board.

Advisors aid the National Trust in carrying out its mission to save historic places and revitalize communities through their personal skills, knowledge of historic preservation issues, and familiarity with the state's and region's resources, leaders, government, media, and community organizations.

Dr. Serda's interest in historic preservation stems from his background and interest in urban history, which includes studies on Kansas City's industrial heritage, the development of the city's noted parks and boulevard system, and the design of Kansas City's architectural and civic landmarks. His dissertation examines the politics of historic preservation in the inner-city, and includes comparative case studies of Kansas City's 18th and Vine District and Ybor City, the historic Latin Quarter in Tampa, Florida.

He has been involved with historic preservation issues during his professional career as a city planner and as director of the Design Center, including design review of proposed additions to the BMA Tower, a Kansas City modernist landmark designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill architects, and the development of design guidelines for Kansas City's boulevard system.

Dr. Serda's service to Kansas and the community includes membership on the Board of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation (2002-2007), the Advisory Committee for the Western Historical Manuscript Collection - Kansas City, and the Board of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.

He also serves on the citizen committees responsible for updating Kansas City's zoning and subdivision ordinances and providing public oversight of the design and construction of the new I-29/I-35 Christopher S. Bond Bridge over the Missouri River.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history -- and the important moments of everyday life -- took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability.

The Mountains/Plains Office of the National Trust is located in Denver, Colorado and serves 8 states in the region, including Kansas. For more information, visit www.PreservationNation.org.