By Paul A. Tenkotte
Special to NKyTribune
This is first in a series on the preservation and revitalization of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. If you’re interested in having your restoration or building project included in this series, please contact the Our Rich History editor, Dr. Paul Tenkotte, at tenkottep@nku.edu
Canfield
If you’ve visited Covington, Kentucky recently, you probably noticed how a new energy of preservation abounds. In Spring 2018, for instance, my in-laws from New York City visited Covington. They favorably compared it to the renaissance of Brooklyn and to the revitalized city of Hoboken, New Jersey. How did all of this rebirth come about?
Thanks to the visionary efforts of longtime Covington resident and urban pioneer, Victor (Vic) J. Canfield, and many likeminded preservationists, Covington’s past is coming alive in its present.
Dedicating the past 37 years to service on the city’s Urban Design Review Board (UDRB), Canfield announced his retirement from that body on Monday, June 18, 2018. Further, as longtime Chair of the UDRB since the late 1990s, he has helped to lead the city through decades of development that have underscored and enhanced a growing appreciation for its historic footprint.
First appointed to the UDRB in 1981, Canfield has seen the board evolve as a professionally respected organization. “Through public and board input, we have a strong, court-tested set of guidelines to follow in our review process,” Canfield stated.
Mother of God Catholic Church, Covington, KY. Photo by Aaron Duesing, appearing as the cover of Cradle of the Arts: Mother of God Catholic Church, Covington, Kentucky (2016).
“Historic preservation is my passion,” Canfield proclaimed in his last meeting with the board. “Although Mayor Meyer has offered to reappoint me, I have decided to retire after nearly 37 years on this board.”
Of course, Canfield will continue to be involved in civic affairs. He was one of Covington’s original urban pioneers.
In 1974, he joined Rev. William Mertes of Mother of God Catholic Church and fellow urban pioneers Mike Averdick, Howard and Sue Hodge, Rev. Raymond Holtz, Charley and Kathy Lester, Bernie Moorman, John (Jack) and Catherine Nestheide, Richard Sacksteder, and Rev. Paul Wethington in the Covington Avenue Properties Partnership.
This group initially purchased and restored 17 homes on Covington Avenue in what later became the Mutter Gottes National Historic District. In later years, the Covington Avenue Properties Partnership purchased additional houses from absentee landlords for restoration by new owner-occupants.
On September 25, 1986, Mother of God Catholic Church in Covington suffered a $1.5 million fire. Canfield led the restoration efforts, which received regional and national awards and recognition. Serving as co-Chair of the restoration with him, I witnessed firsthand his professionalism and diplomacy.
As Canfield notes proudly, “Today, younger people are more interested in living in urban areas like Covington. They love the historic architecture, the ambience, and the walkability of the city. Developers are recognizing the potential as well. It’s a great feeling to have been a part of preserving Covington’s heritage.”
We want to learn more about the history of your business, church, school, or organization in our region (Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky). If you would like to share your rich history with others, please contact the editor of “Our Rich History,” Paul A. Tenkotte, at tenkottep@nku.edu. Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD is Professor of History at NKU.
Congratulations Vic !! This recognition is richly deserved