New Silver City MainStreet Manager Timothy Brown shanghaied four boys to pose with him under the sign leading down to the Big Ditch. From left are Kasius and Phoenix Ford, Brown, Joseph Castello and Sebi Castello.

Article and Photo by Mary Alice Murphy

Timothy Brown was recently named new Silver City MainStreet Project manager. He is a licensed architect and finds the opportunity to work on historic restoration on a real-world level exciting.

Brown was in the midst of activities downtown Saturday during Big Ditch Day, where the Beat had a chance to interview him.

MainStreet had a booth at the Farmers' Market, with information about the town, the activities that were part of Big Ditch Day, and information on hiking trails in the area.

Brown just finished five months working at the Silver City Museum, where he began to learn about the local history.

"I have a lot of historic restoration background," Brown said. "I was an intern in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, and then started doing adobe restoration there.

"I really like Silver City," he said. "It has a great reputation and a rich architectural history. I'm learning more about its place in the history of the Southwest."

Before coming to Silver City, he served on the MainStreet board of directors in Truth or Consequences. "At the state level, the MainStreet Program is solid, through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This job is a win-win for me, because I can learn a lot."

For short-term goals, Brown hopes to work with the Façade Squad for smaller projects, in addition to the Silco Theater restoration.

"I met with Community Development Director Peter Russell about the Main Street Plaza to provide parking and support for the Co-Op's and the Farmers' Market's local food economy," Brown said. "I want to meet downtown business owners and work with the Arts and Cultural District community partners."

"I also want to develop trust and respect to make sure we're working toward a common goal," Brown said. "As far as economic development, I want to have all downtown buildings occupied and used."

He said Silver City is lucky that when the town first started building, the founders agreed to use bricks to make the structures last. "What's different now from the 1800s? Why can't we build to last? With adobe, you bring value to the design. Infill development takes skill, and the community benefits from that extra attention."

About the Silco, he said work is being done in the theater now. "We are working with Syzygy Tileworks for tiles. Four stars to them for their help."

"My office shares space with the Arts and Cultural District," Brown said. "I want to find a way to get artists to engage in projects. We have a lot of people here who know how to get things done."