2009 Statewide Preservation Awards

The 2010 Awards Nomination information will be available in October 2009. 

The Restoration/Rehabilitation Award

This award is to acknowledge the proper restoration of a structure to an earlier or original appearance, or the rehabilitation and/or adaptive new use. Projects must fully demonstrate adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.)

The Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Restoration/Rehabilitation

Amelia Island Lighthouse – Fernandina Beach
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Florida.  The United States Government built the structure in 1820 on Cumberland Island, GA and was later relocated approximately one mile east of downtown Amelia Island in 1839.  In 2001, the lighthouse was acquired by the City of Fernandina Beach, and two phases of restoration took place in 2004 and 2008.  Restoration of the 64 foot tall structure included repairing and repainting the original copper dome roof, installing impact-resistant glass, repairing the spiral stair wood handrails, and other efforts to replicate the original historic structure.  The project was completed with state and local funding and is open to the public visitation on a limited basis. 
Architect:  Kenneth Smith Architects, Inc. 

Christ Episcopal Church, Bell Tower Restoration – Pensacola
The Christ Episcopal Church built a new church in 1903 due to an expanding congregation.  The Bell Tower structure towered some 50 feet above the entry stoop, and its front façade has been synonymous with Pensacola heritage.  The Bell Tower was nearly destroyed, and the old bell was found in a pile of rubble on the ground in October, 2004 after Hurricane Ivan.  The clean-up process involved a careful inventory of the decorative bell tower components.  A computer overlay process using historic photos was used to supplement the original architectural drawings that were partially missing.  The new bell tower structure is comprised of reinforced concrete, assembled on the ground where the terra cotta details were added along with a stucco coating.  The Bell Tower was installed just before Christmas in 2006. 
Architect:  Quina Grundhoefer Architects
Contractor:  Wescon of Pensacola

Dade County Courthouse, Courtroom 6-1 - Miami
The Dade County Courthouse was constructed in 1925 and completed in 1928.  When completed, it was considered the tallest building south of Baltimore and the tallest municipal building in the country.  The 11th Judicial Circuit Court of the State of Florida is housed in the building today.  Restoration efforts started in 1979, and the most recent project is the restoration of Courtroom 6-1, originally called 630, back to its 1920’s splendor.  The courtroom once housed trials for Al Capone, and the landmark tobacco trials of the 1990’s.  Extensive research and planning occurred to restore the courtroom and update its technology.  Wall mounted candelabra lighting fixtures, desk lamps, and wall fans were fundamental design elements in the restoration process.  The millwork was fully restored along with the wall finishes, existing wood furniture, doors, and painted decorative beams.  State grants and private donations from the bar associations and local preservation groups funded this project.   
Architect:  M.C. Harry & Associates

George Merrick’s Art Center and Architectural Headquarters Building - Coral Gables
In November 1924, architect George Merrick announced his Crafts Section – an idealist place where architects, contractors, and developers could come to study the details and craftsmanship that gave Coral Gables its distinctive character. The Crafts Section was never completed and only a few buildings remain – including the Art Center and Architectural Headquarters building. This 1926 building housed offices for many of the city’s well known architects, landscape architects, and the first Architectural League of Greater Miami. When the real estate boom ended, the Art Center was sold and for the next 42 years, served in a variety of uses. Ponce Circle Developers purchased the building in 2000 and financed its restoration for use as the sales headquarters for Old Spanish Village and the location of the preview exhibit for the new Coral Gables Museum.
Architect:  Jorge Hernandez

Historic Charlotte County Courthouse - Punta Gorda
The historic Charlotte County Courthouse in Punta Gorda has been an integral part of the county’s history.  It was built designed with elements modeled after Roman and Greek architecture and is part of the downtown Punta Gorda historic district.  After the Board of County Commissioners voted to save the building and utilize it for public purpose, a grassroots fundraising campaign by concerned citizens throughout the County raised over $100,000 to help finance the project.  The original 1928 two-story structure was rehabilitated for re-opening in 2008, preserving many historical elements of the building and maintaining the historic skyline of the county seat.
Architect:  Rowe Architects Incorporated

Olga School - Ft. Myers
The Olga School is located in Ft. Myers, in a community that was settled in the late 1800’s.  When the population began to grow, Lee County expanded educational facilities and the Olga school served in this capacity from 1927 to 1938.  After closure of the school, the building was used as a church and a community center.  Interior and exterior renovations were completed including removal of incompatible materials from previous renovations and installing new electrical and mechanical systems.  At the end of the project, the original slate chalkboards were carefully re-installed and today the building is occupied by Lee County Parks and Recreation who uses the building for summer camp activities.
Architect:  Stevenson Architects, Inc.

Royalton Apartments - Miami
The Royalton Hotel is located in the heart of Miami’s Downtown Central Business District.  It was originally constructed in 1923, and was a prestigious landmark that catered to downtown Miami visitors and often the rich and famous.  Throughout the years, the seven story buildings interior and exterior began to fall apart.  In 2004, Carlisle Development Group and Carrfour Supportive Housing formed a partnership to renovate the Royalton Hotel and utilize it to house the homeless living on the streets of downtown Miami.  After years of difficult construction tribulations, the Royalton was restored to its original grandeur.  The project was funded through six sources and cost $17 million. 
Developer:  Carlisle Development Group 

South Jacksonville City Hall
The South Jacksonville City Hall building was constructed in 1915 as the government center for South Jacksonville and in 2002 was designated as a historic landmark.  San Marcos Preservation Society coordinated funding and restoration of the building.  The original architectural details and colors of the structure were replicated from of a postcard illustration of early Jacksonville.  The restored building will be maintained by the City of Jacksonville Department of Public Works and will be utilized as the office of the San Marco Preservation society with tenant space on the second floor. 
Architect:  Kenneth Smith Architects

Stellalina Condominiums – Jacksonville
John and Janet Germany purchased the 1921 Stellalina Building, to convert the quadruplex to condos.  This complex project was spearheaded by John, who reviewed contracts and served as the project negotiator, and Janet, who researched historic design elements and served as the contractor, hiring and managing subcontractors throughout the project.  85% lumber replacement was required for this renovation, which made compliance with code requirements even more difficult. For their commitment to restoring the building to its original structure with immense details, the Germany’s have received awards from the Jacksonville Historic Commission and Riverside Avondale Preservation.

The Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Field of Restoration/Rehabilitation

Crocker Church & Bidwell-Wood House – Sarasota
Two of Sarasota County’s historic landmarks stand proudly today thanks to the tremendous efforts of a group of historic preservationists, led by the Historical Society of Sarasota County. The Bidwell-Wood House and Crocker Memorial Church were both moved twice to prevent their demolition. In 2004, the area where the buildings stood was re-zoned for condominium development. The Historical Society, headed by President Arnold Berns, acted quickly by having the buildings declared historic treasures, and convincing the owner to donate the buildings for relocation and restoration. Two years were spent on educating the public and local officials on the importance of saving the historic sites. The group’s efforts paid off and the buildings were donated to the city and moved to the city-owned Pioneer Park . The City even assisted in the funding of the move. The Bidwell-Wood House and Crocker Church were both reopened to the public in January of this year and continue to receive an outpouring of public support.

The Award for an Honorable Mention in the Field of Restoration/Rehabilitation

Jack Weiner House – Coconut Grove
Alfred Browning Parker designed the Weiner House in 1954. The house is located in Coconut Grove and typifies the type of modern architectural design found in Dade County after World War II. The Brunell Family purchased the house in 2005 and commissioned its restoration. The firm of de la Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists was hired to lead the project. The renovation focused on preserving the original building but modernizing climate control, the kitchen and bathrooms. No exterior additions were added and the distribution of rooms and spaces inside the home were not altered in any significant manor. The renovation was completed in 2007 and the house was sold to the Paredes family – another preservation-minded couple.
Architects: de la Guardia Architects & Urbanists

The Adaptive Use Award

This award is to acknowledge the proper rehabilitation of a structure to a new use. Projects must fully adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards (National Park Service, Department of the Interior).

The Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Adaptive Use 

Nokomis Beach Pavilion
The Nokomis Beach Pavilion Project returned Sarasota County’s first publicly funded beach pavilion to its former sleek and graceful modern appearance while incorporating a much needed community room.  As originally designed, the structure provided a classic example of the minimalist forms associated with mid-century modern architecture.  The rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Pavilion created the opportunity to engage the original architect, Jack West, who designed the Pavilion in 1954.  A unique challenge to the project was minimizing the amount of light to the beach because of nesting turtles.  Today the Pavilion displays an information graphic display on its history, and will soon showcase public art on a semi-annual basis. 
Architect:  Jack West
Contractor: Howell Construction
 
The Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Field of Adaptive Use

Knapp Inn – Stuart
The Knapp Inn was constructed in 1925 and by the time the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council purchased it in 2006, it was severely deteriorated from hurricane damage.  The Council modernized the historic building, while keeping and enriching its historic character and charm.  An addition was built that also kept with this objective and streetscape improvements enhanced the building’s street presence while sustaining the character of the neighborhood.  The Knapp Inn now serves as the Councils office and is a symbol of their mission of promoting sustainability through environmental preservation and commitment to neighborhood revitalization over the past 32 years. 

The Preservation Education/Media Award

This award recognizes outstanding heritage education programs, including books, brochures, curriculum, DVDs, and other publications that deal with historic preservation or local history.

The Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Preservation Education/Media

Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s Civil Air Patrol Project – Palm Beach County
From 1942-1943 a group of civilian aviators from the Civil Air Patrol were engaged in searching for German U-boats attacking allied shipping along the Florida coast. The C. A. P. flew from 21 coastal bases nationally, with 5 bases in Florida. The Coastal Patrol Base 3 was established at Morrison Field and later moved to the Lantana Airport, patrolling the coast from Lantana to Cape Canaveral. In 2006, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County developed a project to document this little known part of World War II history. The Historical Society, with the assistance of five aviators who flew from Coastal Base 3, collected material to be used to develop an hour-long documentary entitled: Puddle Jumpers of Lantana: The Civil Air Patrol’s Coastal Patrol 3. The Historical Society also coordinated the placement of a historical marker at Lantana Airport to recognize the significance of the site’s contribution to Florida’s World War II history.

Disaster Mitigation for Historic Structures: Protection Strategies
In 2003, 1000 Friends of Florida, Florida Division of Historical Resources, and the Division of Emergency Management published a manual on planning for the impact of natural disasters on historic sites.  The project team saw the need to develop a supplement to this manual that provided information on specific mitigation improvements that could be applied to historic resources. Thus, the Disaster Mitigation for Historic Structures: Protection Strategies was created. The on-site mitigation options included in the publication were identified and evaluated by a technical advisory committee of historic preservationists, emergency management officials, architects, building code officials, manufacturer representatives, and a testing lab engineer. The manual is readily available and will be used to assist in making the mitigation process more efficient.

Souvenir of St. Petersburg, Views from the Vinoy
This book is the culmination of many years of work by the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association and homeowners in the area joining together to preserve the charm of their neighborhood. The publication resulted out of the need to educate the community on the importance of protecting the Old Northeast Neighborhood. Souvenir of St. Petersburg is targeted toward 4th graders with a focus on preserving their community’s neighborhoods. The 80-page, full color book features a highly visible and interactive approach to history, architecture, art, culture, and community development. A teacher’s guide and teacher training workshops accompany the book. The book is also a resource for tourism in the area. In fact, the marketing department for the City gives the book out to visiting dignitaries and guests of the city. The book serves as a tool for future preservation projects as the title was created in such a way that other communities can develop their own publications using the same title but creating an appropriate sub title.

Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise: The Story of Caladesi Island
This book offers a unique and personal glimpse into pioneer life on Caladesi Island. Myrtle Scharrer Betz wrote the first edition of this memoir in her 80s and tells the story of the Scharrer family’s journey to America and life on Caladesi Island. Since its initial publication, interest in the book has sustained two additional reprints.  This latest reprint in 2007, is an expanded version including photographs, maps, Myrtle’s bird checklist, and a detailed timeline that outlines significant periods in the family’s history and in Florida’s history. The success of this expanded version is credited to a team of family members, friends of Mrs. Betz, naturalists, artists, and advocates for the protection of Caladesi Island. Sadly, Myrtle Scharrer Betz passed away in 1993 but her experiences on Caladesi Island live on in this wonderful book.

The Infill Design Award

This award recognizes success in creating buildings that are designed to replace missing structures, or otherwise fill gaps in the streetscape.

The Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Field of Infill Design

Willis Barn at the Historic Willis Dairy - Tallahassee
The Willis Dairy is one of the last vestiges of a once significant dairy operation on the urban fringes of Tallahassee.  Originally 98.9 acres, the property currently retains a 3.1 acre tract that consists of the original farmhouse which is currently under renovation and wood shop barn.  The wood shop barn was recently completed to serve as an entertainment space that also functions as a wood shop and office complete with bathroom and laundry facilities for the Master Carpenter.  All of the aesthetic details and visual aesthetic clues were drawn from the inspiration of the Old Farmhouse and former farm structures.  The wood shop barns structures details are authentic Americana with let in and bolted braced frames and exposed wood decking under metal roofing.  The versatility of the space is heightened by the variable lighting levels and temperature control features and is carefully contained on the Willis Dairy property as a functioning element of the historic property. 
Architects:  4M Design Group, PA; Huffman Associates/Studio for Architecture; Frank Willis Builder, LLC

The Landscape/Archaeology Award

This award is to acknowledge the restoration of a historic landscape or the preservation of an archaeological project.

The Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Historic Landscape/Archaeology

Robert & Company’s Cultural Landscape Report for Goodwood Museum & Gardens (Tallahassee)
Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a 16-acre house and garden museum located in Tallahassee, Florida that interprets the story of one of the region’s most historic and significant properties.  The Cultural Landscape Report for Goodwood was the result of a new emphasis on understanding, restoring, and interpreting the gardens and grounds as a symbol of the region’s multi-faceted landscape history.  Florida’s Division of Historical Resources supplied a special projects grant and through a competitive bid process, Robert and Company (Atlanta, GA) was selected as the consultant to develop the CLR.  The massive document followed The Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, and is significant in many ways, one of which to make long-term preservation and maintenance of Goodwood a seamless and feasible process.

The Master Craftsmanship Award

This award recognizes those individuals that have continued to use a particular traditional technique or method of construction to achieve authenticity in the restoration of historic resources.

The Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Master Craftsmanship

Traditional Cut Stone for the Historic Palm Beach County Courthouse Project
The Historical Palm Beach County Courthouse was originally built in 1916.  In the 1970’s the Courthouse and affiliated buildings were damaged beyond repair, where the structures limestone was damaged or missing.  Traditional Cut Stone, Ltd. was awarded the bid to the restoration project based on their performance record on previous projects.  For the project, 2,378 pieces of cut and carved limestone were delivered six months ahead of schedule.  State of the art stone cutting equipment used in conjunction with traditional art and stone carving techniques applied since the 14th century both completed this project. 

The Award for Organization Achievement

Dade Heritage Trust
For 37 years, Dade Heritage Trust has been the voice for preservation in Miami-Dade County. The organization can always be seen on the frontlines of preservation battles and campaigns to help save historic places in the county. They were leaders in the efforts to preserve Miami Circle, Freedom Tower, and are actively assisting in the partnerships created to preserve the Miami Marine Stadium.  Dade Heritage Trust also initiated a successful campaign in 2004 to have $20 million for historic preservation projects included on Miami-Dade County’s General Obligation Bond referendum. Along with their role in advocacy, the organization plays an active role in the restoration of historic places. They were partners on the restoration of the 1905 Old Miami High School, Cape Florida Lighthouse, and their new headquarters – the 1905 Dr. James Jackson’s Office building. Education and public outreach plays a large role in Dade Heritage Trust’s programs.  The organization began a partnership with the county’s magnet school program on a heritage education program, published several successful publications on the county’s history and architecture, and holds the annual Dade Heritage Days celebration.

The Individual Distinguished Service Award

Harvey E. Oyer, III is one of the leading advocates for historic preservation in Palm Beach County. Harvey has played a crucial part in the preservation of several historic sites in the county, including the Jupiter and Lantana Elementary Schools and Riverbend Park Battlefield Site. One of his greatest success stories to-date is the leadership role he played in saving and restoring the 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse. Harvey spent thousands of hours of his personal time advocating for the site, building grassroots campaigns and obtaining funding for the restoration and conversion into the Johnson History Museum.  He was even elected Chairman of the Board for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County in order to better undertake the creation of the history museum. As part of his service with the Historical Society, Harvey also spearheaded the creation of a partnership between the Historical Society and the Palm Beach County School District bringing heritage education programs into every 4th, 7th, and 11th grade classrooms in the county. Harvey has helped create the Historical Committee of Palm Beach County Bar Association, serves on the Palm Beach County School Naming Committee, Centennial Committee, Cultural Council, and previously served on the Great Floridians Committee.

Brian Rand was born in London, and his 35 years of engineering and construction experience has engaged him in projects in over 90 countries. He took up residence in the United States in the 1980s and started Professional Restoration, Inc., a company specializing in the renovation of historic properties. Brian has worked on a variety of projects over the years, ranging from the 18th century Three Chimneys project in Brevard County to the mid-twentieth century Sarasota, Lee, and Volusia County courthouses. Brian never leaves a project without some new insight into our cultural history. For example, when working on some historic sugar mills he introduced several new methodologies for working with coquina, and he learned new techniques for repairing intricate brickwork on the Apalachicola City Hall and an armory in Chattahoochee, both which suffered from years of neglect and inappropriate alterations.  Brian’s love for learning has encouraged him to create REAP – the Rehabilitation Education and Preservation Program. REAP is a nonprofit tasked with educating and training preservation trades professionals with the skills to work with traditional building techniques. REAP has been adopted by the Edison Community College in Ft. Myers and continues to teach students this important aspect of historic preservation.

The Carl Weinhardt Award 

Recognizing leadership in state historic preservation arenas and valuable service to the Florida Trust

Arva Moore Parks McCabe
Arva is a native Miamian and a true advocate for the preservation of Miami-Dade County’s historic and cultural resources. She has played a key role in the preservation, interpretation, and historical research on many of the county’s most important historic places, including The Barnacle, Coral Gables Merrick House, the Biltmore Hotel, and the Tower Theater. She is also a proponent for the county’s tourism efforts. Arva began her career as a secondary school history teacher and later taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami. Today, she is president of Arva Parks and Company a historic research company and developer of media projects-video, magazine articles, and books on the history of Miami, Coral Gables and the Biltmore. As a volunteer, she has chaired the City of Miami’s Planning Advisory Board and serves on the boards of Dade Heritage Trust, Historic Hampton House, the Virginia Key Trust, and the Florida Chapter of International Woman’s Forum. She has also been a President of the Vizcaya Trust, a Florida advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a Presidential appointee to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

The Preservation Advocate Award

Recognizing leadership in advocating for the protection of Florida’s historic sites and resources

Tom Gustafson served for 14 years in the Florida House of Representatives in 1976 to 1990. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1988 and served until his retirement from the Legislature.  In 1983, Mr. Gustafson was asked by the counsel for the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation to secure a $500,000 appropriation that was necessary to enable the Florida Trust and the State of Florida to preserve the Bonnet House in perpetuity.  The funding would satisfy the condition of Ms. Evelyn Bartlett, the owner of Bonnet House, that the State demonstrate its commitment to funding preservation.  Mrs. Bartlett matched $500,000 to complete a $1Million Endowment to assist in the preservation of Bonnet House. Mr. Gustafson secured the appropriation by personally meeting with the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate and Governor Bob Graham, to press the case for funding.  The appropriation not only leveraged the extensive land holdings and valuable possessions and artifacts of the Bonnet House, but also secured for all residents of Florida a public corridor from Ocean to River of a unique part of Florida’s cultural history.