Landmarks Illinois Will Honor Nine Statewide Preservation Projects in October
September 22, 2016
Media Contact:
Kaitlyn McAvoy
Communications Manager, Landmarks Illinois
312-922-1742
kmcavoy@landmarks.org
CHICAGO, IL – Landmarks Illinois, a membership-based nonprofit advocating for the protection of historic and architecturally significant properties throughout the state, will honor nine exceptional historic preservation projects next month at the Landmarks Illinois 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards Celebration. Taking place Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 4-8 p.m. at Venue One in Chicago, the award celebration will pay tribute to the people who went through extraordinary efforts to save, restore, rehabilitate and reuse historic places in Illinois.
“The people behind these projects emulate leadership, perseverance and vision,” said Landmarks Illinois President and CEO Bonnie McDonald. “Through their work in historic preservation, our award winners have transformed once vacant and forgotten buildings into vibrant community spaces. These are the people saving places.”
More About 2016 Award Winners
The Landmarks Illinois 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Project of the Year Award will go to the Strand Apartments, located at 6321 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. The former hotel built in 1914-15 was once a large part of Woodlawn’s vibrant jazz scene. The building later suffered from decades of neglect before being purchased by Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation, which rehabilitated the building into retail space and affordable housing for the people of the Woodlawn neighborhood. The building, now restored to feature much of the original Classical Revival-style character, is an inspiring example of how historical preservation can spark positive redevelopment and reuse in Illinois communities.
“Our Project of the Year is always a challenging decision, but the jury was unanimous in selecting the Strand Apartments,” said McDonald. “The Holsten team, and those supporting the project, deserves high commendation for delivering a project showing how preservation serves people. Where there was once only a vacant building, Woodlawn neighbors now have new units of housing, an art gallery as well as a local service provider helping guide residents to community resources. This is all housed in a sustainably reused place that shines a light on Chicago’s music history.”
A full list of the award winners is below. Visit our website here to view details on each award-winning project.
Clare and Ken Goerlich, Quincy
Joe Antunovich Award for Leadership
Conn’s Hospitality Group, Springfield
Award for Leadership
Gibault High School, Junior American History Project, Waterloo
Award for Advocacy
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum, Aurora
President’s Award for Restoration
Jail Hill Inn, Galena
Award for Adaptive Use
LondonHouse, Chicago
Award for Adaptive Use
Stone Avenue Train Station, La Grange
Award for Restoration
Stony Island Arts Bank, Chicago
Award for Rehabilitation
Strand Apartments, Chicago
Project of the Year Award for Rehabilitation
About the Awards
The Landmarks Illinois Annual Preservation Awards are generously funded by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Since 1994, the awards honor people throughout Illinois working to preserve historic places. This year’s winners will be presented with their award at the event and a $1,000 prize.
The awards ceremony at Venue One, 1034 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL, is open to the public and will kick off with a panel discussion on historic preservation called “From Vacant to Vibrant.” The panel, moderated by Landmarks Illinois Board Chair Will Tippens, will feature some of this year’s award winners who will share stories of their inspiring preservation efforts. The full event schedule follows:
4 – 5 p.m.
Award Winner Panel Discussion
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
7 – 8 p.m.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception
Tickets for the Landmarks Illinois 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards Celebration range from $35-$40 for Landmarks Illinois members and are $50 for non-members. To RSVP, click here or visit our Events page on our website Landmarks.org. You can also RSVP by calling Landmarks Illinois at 312-922-1742.
About Landmarks Illinois
Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships.