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<br />REPORT OF THE LAMAR COUNTY mSTORICAL <br />COMMISSION <br />THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION <br /> <br />RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION, CITY OF PARIS <br />1996-2004 <br /> <br />In 1996 I became concerned about the general deterioration of the downtown <br />particularly the Plaza. At that time only about 70% of the buildings on the Plaza <br />were rented and functioning; Alarming amounts of unconventional signage were <br />beginning to appear and a number of the business were not contributing to the <br />economy. Two of the buildings were being used as churches. I looked at the <br />Greiner-Mohr Building, which had been built in 1916 after the fire. It had been <br />through a succession of owners and was then empty. A very active artist's colony <br />had been developing around the Hayden Museum of Fine Arts and its exhibitions. <br />The annual art fair had deteriorated into a children's festival with no room for the <br />finer artists. I felt like I could restore this building and then devote it to our artist's <br />colony. With the assistance of Richard Hunt the building was restored, maintaining <br />it's original exterior as well as its interior. <br /> <br />Once opened historical lectures dealing with the Plaza and downtown were held in <br />the evenings which was the first time in 40 years that citizens were actually engaging <br />in activities after hours on the Plaza. <br /> <br />Within a short period of time Chip and Suzy Harper restored the Aikin building on <br />the East side of the Plaza. Barbara and Pinky Wilson became active and restored <br />the Texas and Pacific Depot for restaurant usage and then completed a magnificent <br />restoration of the Wise House (1886) and opened it to the public for event leasing. <br />They were to later purchase and save the bank on the SE corner of the Plaza and <br />new owners have restored it. <br /> <br />Richard Hunt purchased the Daniel House (1888) and has now completed an <br />absolutely incredible restoration of this Paris landmark, located a mere two blocks <br />ofT of the Plaza. <br /> <br />At this same time the Moore Law Firm began a grand restoration of the Lynch <br />Building preserving it's spatial interiors and much of the original feeling. <br /> <br />It was at this time that the restoration of Union Station started with a grant from <br />the Texas Department of Transportation and has been completed. The Chamber of <br />Commerce is occupying the major part of the building along with the Lamar <br />