[from Destination Midtown]
Older homes, like those in Midtown, need a special kind of love. Built with meticulous attention to detail by genuine craftsman, they've stood the test of time for generations. But without the right kind of maintenance, they can quickly fall into disrepair.

Timed perfectly with the neighborhood revitalization efforts happening across the area, the fifth annual Restore Omaha Conference was created to make sure owners have the knowledge and tools to make the right decisions about maintaining their historic homes.

Taking place March 5 - 6 at the South Omaha campus of Metropolitan Community College, Restore Omaha provides a wide-range of learning opportunities to promote the practice of historic restoration to the public and professionals. Their focus is on mid-20th century and older homes and business properties.

Conference co-organizer Martin Janousek, an associate at the LEO A DALY architectural firm, bills Restore Omaha as a gathering of like-minded individuals who share an appreciation for older homes and a desire to properly maintain them.

"This isn't a home show. We aren't trying to sell hot tubs. It's really a one-stop shop for information on historical preservation," he said. "We have so many great neighborhoods with great homes. This conference gives people a chance to get together, share stories about home improvement and leave with great ideas."

On Saturday, March 6, conference keynote and learning sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the campus' Industrial Training Center. Concurrent sessions are scheduled on a variety of topics, including stained glass restoration, historic gardening, window reglazing, hiring a contractor and much more. Participants are also encouraged to bring before and after photos of home remodeling projects for "Restoration Jam," a discussion session on what worked (and what didn't).

The conference will also feature keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic development-consulting firm. Rypkema specializes in commercial revitalization and its effects on the surrounding neighborhoods.

"Our hope is that people walk away from this conference with a new appreciation for the beauty of their home and a desire to make it better," Janousek added.