There’s a concept in urban studies known as broken window theory. At its core, it suggests that visible signs of neglect signal that no one is paying attention. When small issues are left unaddressed, neglect tends to spread.

What matters most about this idea isn’t theory at all. It’s the reminder that our surroundings shape how people feel about a place and how connected they feel to one another.

We didn’t begin this journey as experts. When we purchased our historic home in Alton more than a decade ago, we were enthusiastic, optimistic, and largely unprepared for what stewardship truly requires. Like many old-house owners, we were captivated by the charm and craftsmanship and underestimated the commitment behind it. What followed was years of learning — some of it graceful, much of it humbling.