In the recent story about the Changs’ revitalization project for Block 41, the writer referenced the owners’ commitment to saving the Fourth Avenue Theater murals and marquee. We’d also like to draw attention to Terence Chang’s dedication to preserving the additional significant art he acquired with the purchase of the former Key Bank on the corner of 5th and G: the 20 bas relief panels entitled “A Parade of Alaska History.”
Created by our parents, Lynn’s father, sculptor Jim Tapscott, and Hilary’s folks, researchers/writers Herb and Miriam Hilscher, these 4-foot by 8-foot pieces were installed in 1976 in the former Alaska Mutual Savings Bank and displayed for many years. During subsequent building remodels, they were taken down and stored.
Over the past five-plus years, we have met with Terence numerous times about his company’s plans for first the bank corner and, more recently, the entire block. At every step, we’ve witnessed his desire to honor Anchorage’s history by conserving the “Parade” panels and the 4th Avenue murals. We applaud his sense of responsibility to the past, and share his vision again displaying all this beloved heritage art in the new, revitalized downtown area.
— Lynn Tapscott Maier and Hilary Hilscher
Port Ludlow and Bainbridge Island, Washington
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