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Kris Carmichael will discuss historic preservation in Cary beginning with the Page-Walker Hotel and the public/private partnership that not only saved it but repurposed it to become an art and history center.  Kris will also describe other successful models including transforming the old Cary High School into the Cary Arts Center and the restoring the Cary Theater, which came full circle to return to its original function.

Gillian White will discuss current preservation projects, including the relocation of the Nancy Jones House. She will also touch on the future of preservation in Cary and how it benefits our community.

Kristina Carmichael, Operations & Program Supervisor
Kris Carmichael has over 40 years’ experience as an arts administrator, museum professional, and historic preservationist.  Kris has been the Town of Cary’s supervisor for the Page-Walker Arts & History Center along with other historic resources such as archives and artifacts since 2008.  She is currently also managing preservation work at three town-owned historic sites: Barnabas Jones Farmstead (next to Jack Smith Park); C.F. Ferrell Store & Warehouses and Good Hope Farm in Carpenter. She works closely with Gillian White, the Town’s Historic Preservation Planner on a range of projects.

Gillian White, Historic Preservation Planner
Gillian White holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado and a Master’s in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Gillian has been with the Town of Cary for two years and began the role as Cary’s Historic Preservation Planner in 2019. She serves as the staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, upholds compliance with local, state, and federal historic preservation regulations, and ensures programs and projects are consistent with the recommendations of the Imagine Cary Community Plan.