Sally Berk, 63, is a longtime preservationist in the District. She has spent most of her life trying to save the capital’s architectural gems from the wrecking ball. She recently gave a presentation to the Federal City Council, titled “A Tour of My Losses.” Afterwards, she spoke with The Examiner.
How did you get into preservation?
When I was in architecture school, what interested me the most was not designing new buildings, but architectural history. I was most enamored of old buildings.
What do you like about it?
I love courtroom drama. I love writing testimony, waiting to see what the decision will be.
What’s your best moment?
One project was saving the old firehouse, Old Engine Co. 24, at the intersection of Georgia and New Hampshire avenues. It was slated for demolition to put the Georgia Avenue-Petworth [Metro rail] stop. … A whole block of buildings was slated to go down. I wrote a landmark nomination for that firehouse. I thought that by getting that landmark, the whole block of old commercial buildings would be saved. But that didn’t happen. That Old Firehouse was moved across the street. It was an enormous effort.
What’s your worst moment?
My worst 10 years was being involved with the project involving the north side of the 900 block of F Street. This was a case in which St. Patrick’s Church wanted to demolish the buildings that they had constructed in the early 20th century. It went on for 10 years. … We put on a very good case against some highly paid lawyers. And we won. But the decision came down after the deadline.
Do you think Washingtonians appreciate their architecture?
I do think they appreciate it. But I do think there’s kind of a misunderstanding, a somewhat pervasive feeling that preservation stands in the way of progress. And of course I believe that preservation and business can stand hand-in-hand. It’s not about preventing change, it’s about managing change.
