2025 west virginia historic preservation awards recipients
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the state’s historic places and properties, announced the recipients of the 2025 West Virginia Historic Preservation Awards at its annual awards banquet on Friday, May 2, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to historic preservation throughout the Mountain State. The banquet was part of the West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference held May 1 - 3, where preservation advocates gathered from throughout the state and region. Other activities included educational sessions, hands-on trades demonstrations, and tours of historic sites. The conference welcomed speakers from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street America, and others.
2025 West Virginia Historic Preservation Award Recipients {Detailed recipient bios and project details included below.}
Each year, the Alliance presents two Preservation Persistence Awards to recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary dedication to historic preservation. This year, the award was renamed in honor of Betty "Snookie" Woods Nutting of Wheeling, a trailblazer in the field whose tireless efforts have left a lasting impact. Snookie served as President of PAWV, was named a Distinguished West Virginian, advised the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and received the Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She was instrumental in saving 22 buildings in Wheeling, including properties on Monroe Street East, Chapline Street Row, and in Victorian North Wheeling, as well as contributing to the restoration of the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. She established a legacy of persistence, dedication, and achievement that serves as a model for today’s preservationists, Mrs. Nutting was with us at this year’s awards banquet.
2025 West Virginia Historic Preservation Award Recipients {Detailed recipient bios and project details included below.}
- Adaptive Reuse Award – Bluefield Arts & Revitalization Corporation, for the Granada Theater & the Raleigh Street Cinemas and Education Center (Bluefield)
- Most Significant Save of an Endangered Property Award – Jason Bradcovich & Larry Brothers, for the Kraft House (Wheeling)
- Excellent AmeriCorps Award – Sharon David (Wheeling)
- Archaeology Award – Robert Sheets, Fort Warwick Project (Pocahontas County)
- Betty “Snookie” Nutting Preservation Persistence Award – Middleway Conservancy & Protect Middleway (Jefferson County)
- Betty “Snookie” Nutting Preservation Persistence Award – Lisa Badia (Wheeling)
- Michael Gioulis Downtown Preservation Award – Chris Rizer (Point Pleasant)
- Bob Weir Craftsperson Award – Roger Edwards (Wheeling)
- Rodney Collins Preservation Achievement Award – Senator Ryan Weld (Wellsburg)
- Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award – Jeanne Finstein (Wheeling)
Each year, the Alliance presents two Preservation Persistence Awards to recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary dedication to historic preservation. This year, the award was renamed in honor of Betty "Snookie" Woods Nutting of Wheeling, a trailblazer in the field whose tireless efforts have left a lasting impact. Snookie served as President of PAWV, was named a Distinguished West Virginian, advised the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and received the Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She was instrumental in saving 22 buildings in Wheeling, including properties on Monroe Street East, Chapline Street Row, and in Victorian North Wheeling, as well as contributing to the restoration of the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. She established a legacy of persistence, dedication, and achievement that serves as a model for today’s preservationists, Mrs. Nutting was with us at this year’s awards banquet.
The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is a nonprofit organization leveraging arts and real estate development to revitalize downtown Bluefield, West Virginia—once known as “Little New York” for its vibrant rail-era culture and architecture. Situated between major cities, Bluefield thrived as a vibrant stop for train travelers and touring performers.
At the center of this cultural heyday stood the Granada Theater (pictured left), opened in 1927 and hosted vaudeville acts and musical legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. By the 1970s, however, the decline of the railroad industry and population loss left the Granada—and much of downtown—quiet and deteriorating. As Bluefield’s historic buildings vanished, concerned residents rallied to preserve what remained. The Granada, the last of four original downtown theaters, became a symbol of hope and renewal.
In 2012, BARC led a community-driven campaign to restore it, raising funds through raffles, grants, and donations. After a meticulous, historically accurate renovation, The Granada officially reopened in August 2021. It now hosts films with plans to expand to live performances.
The lower level of the Granada, which has frontage on Raleigh Street at the rear of the building, was not part of the initial renovation, which was Formerly a Montgomery Ward tire and auto center, has been transformed into the Raleigh Street Cinemas, and center—a venue offering a range of amenities. Raleigh Street Cinemas, as the project is named, complements the existing operations.
Through this blend of arts programming and strategic development, BARC is preserving Bluefield’s heritage while building a vibrant future.
At the center of this cultural heyday stood the Granada Theater (pictured left), opened in 1927 and hosted vaudeville acts and musical legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. By the 1970s, however, the decline of the railroad industry and population loss left the Granada—and much of downtown—quiet and deteriorating. As Bluefield’s historic buildings vanished, concerned residents rallied to preserve what remained. The Granada, the last of four original downtown theaters, became a symbol of hope and renewal.
In 2012, BARC led a community-driven campaign to restore it, raising funds through raffles, grants, and donations. After a meticulous, historically accurate renovation, The Granada officially reopened in August 2021. It now hosts films with plans to expand to live performances.
The lower level of the Granada, which has frontage on Raleigh Street at the rear of the building, was not part of the initial renovation, which was Formerly a Montgomery Ward tire and auto center, has been transformed into the Raleigh Street Cinemas, and center—a venue offering a range of amenities. Raleigh Street Cinemas, as the project is named, complements the existing operations.
Through this blend of arts programming and strategic development, BARC is preserving Bluefield’s heritage while building a vibrant future.
This award recognizes the most significant rescue of a historic property listed on the Alliance’s West Virginia Endangered Properties List. In the early 2020s, Jason Bradcovich and Larry Brothers, stepped up to save the seriously deteriorated Kraft House—purchasing the property at auction, only to discover it was the oldest structure on the City of Wheeling’s Raze and Repair list. Working collaboration with other local preservationists, Jason and Larry successfully advocated for additional time to stabilize and restore the building, which had long been considered a problem property.
Their efforts led to the rediscovery of the building’s remarkable history. The original owner, Charles Kraft, was a German immigrant and co-owner of the Klieves & Kraft Company. A firm that helped shape the architectural character of Wheeling and the surrounding region. Their portfolio includes such notable landmarks as St. Alphonsus Church in Centre Market, Chapline Row, the Hazlett House (now the headquarters of Friends of Wheeling), and the iconic Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Woodburn Hall’s distinctive Second Empire style even inspired the design of Kraft’s own home— the very house Jason and Larry purchased for just $200 and have since painstakingly restored.
Their efforts led to the rediscovery of the building’s remarkable history. The original owner, Charles Kraft, was a German immigrant and co-owner of the Klieves & Kraft Company. A firm that helped shape the architectural character of Wheeling and the surrounding region. Their portfolio includes such notable landmarks as St. Alphonsus Church in Centre Market, Chapline Row, the Hazlett House (now the headquarters of Friends of Wheeling), and the iconic Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Woodburn Hall’s distinctive Second Empire style even inspired the design of Kraft’s own home— the very house Jason and Larry purchased for just $200 and have since painstakingly restored.
Sharon David served as a Preserve WV AmeriCorps member for three years, working directly with the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, as well as Wheeling-based organizations Friends of Wheeling and Ritchietown Renaissance. Although her term was unexpectedly cut short on April 29, when the Department of Governmental Efficiency terminated the Preserve WV AmeriCorps grant, Sharon made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the Wheeling community.
One notable achievement was her work with the Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation—a successful offshoot of the Friends of Wheeling’s Orphaned Cemeteries Project. Through a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance grant from Volunteer West Virginia, Sharon brought much-needed attention to these historically significant sites, highlighting their cultural importance, the rich social history they contain, and the ongoing efforts of local volunteers working to preserve them in the absence of perpetual care funding.
As part of this initiative, Sharon organized hands-on workshops to teach volunteers how to document cemeteries for inclusion in the West Virginia Cemetery Inventory, and how to identify, clean, and restore various types of historic monuments and markers. As a result, a team of AmeriCorps members and volunteers successfully raised and reset several large stone markers, including a 2,000-pound monument. She also recruited more than 50 volunteers to document, clean, and repair over 300 headstones—many of them belonging to veterans—at three of Wheeling’s most significant cemeteries: Stone Church, founded in 1795 and the oldest cemetery in Wheeling, the final resting place of over 650 veterans,13 of whom served in the War of Independence; Mount Wood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and Peninsula Cemetery, once the third-largest cemetery in the state until bisected by construction of Route 70. Peninsula was originally designated for enslaved, Black, and pauper populations.
In addition to her preservation work, Sharon played an instrumental role in organizing the Alliance’s recent statewide preservation conference further highlighting her ability to mobilize community support, coordinate large-scale projects, and draw attention to underrepresented stories exemplifies her deep commitment to inclusive historic preservation. Her work has not only deepened public understanding of Wheeling’s layered history but has also strengthened community engagement and pride.
One notable achievement was her work with the Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation—a successful offshoot of the Friends of Wheeling’s Orphaned Cemeteries Project. Through a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance grant from Volunteer West Virginia, Sharon brought much-needed attention to these historically significant sites, highlighting their cultural importance, the rich social history they contain, and the ongoing efforts of local volunteers working to preserve them in the absence of perpetual care funding.
As part of this initiative, Sharon organized hands-on workshops to teach volunteers how to document cemeteries for inclusion in the West Virginia Cemetery Inventory, and how to identify, clean, and restore various types of historic monuments and markers. As a result, a team of AmeriCorps members and volunteers successfully raised and reset several large stone markers, including a 2,000-pound monument. She also recruited more than 50 volunteers to document, clean, and repair over 300 headstones—many of them belonging to veterans—at three of Wheeling’s most significant cemeteries: Stone Church, founded in 1795 and the oldest cemetery in Wheeling, the final resting place of over 650 veterans,13 of whom served in the War of Independence; Mount Wood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and Peninsula Cemetery, once the third-largest cemetery in the state until bisected by construction of Route 70. Peninsula was originally designated for enslaved, Black, and pauper populations.
In addition to her preservation work, Sharon played an instrumental role in organizing the Alliance’s recent statewide preservation conference further highlighting her ability to mobilize community support, coordinate large-scale projects, and draw attention to underrepresented stories exemplifies her deep commitment to inclusive historic preservation. Her work has not only deepened public understanding of Wheeling’s layered history but has also strengthened community engagement and pride.
In the Quiet Zone of Green Bank, Bob Sheets) has been anything but quiet in his enthusiastic support for archaeology and historic preservation. Over the past 21 years, Bob has transformed colonial Fort Warwick into a vibrant public destination—hosting excavations, building a museum, and organizing numerous community events. Bob and the entire Sheets family have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the field.
When archaeologists mentioned the site was too dry, a watering tank appeared. When a trench was needed through tough, root-filled ground, the local football team arrived to dig it. And when tired volunteers faced the daunting task of backfilling, a tractor was on hand to help. Bob’s wife, Elaine, provides food and lodging, and the whole family pitches in during excavations.
A longtime English teacher at Pocahontas High School—where many students remember him just as much for coaching football and basketball—Bob has inspired generations of students to participate in Fort Warwick’s archaeological efforts. He has managed every detail, from coordinating travel and transportation to preparing students in school and orienting them onsite.
Bob has more than earned this award—many times over—and his work continues. Learn more at http://fortwarwick.com.
When archaeologists mentioned the site was too dry, a watering tank appeared. When a trench was needed through tough, root-filled ground, the local football team arrived to dig it. And when tired volunteers faced the daunting task of backfilling, a tractor was on hand to help. Bob’s wife, Elaine, provides food and lodging, and the whole family pitches in during excavations.
A longtime English teacher at Pocahontas High School—where many students remember him just as much for coaching football and basketball—Bob has inspired generations of students to participate in Fort Warwick’s archaeological efforts. He has managed every detail, from coordinating travel and transportation to preparing students in school and orienting them onsite.
Bob has more than earned this award—many times over—and his work continues. Learn more at http://fortwarwick.com.
In the fall of 2024, a proposal submitted to the Jefferson County Planning Commission posed a significant threat to one of West Virginia’s most remarkable historic rural communities. Sidewinder Enterprises of California proposed constructing a one-million-square-foot water bottling facility on the site of a former 3M plant—just outside the boundaries of the Middleway National Register Historic District.
Beneath the proposed site lay a known contaminant plume. To make matters worse, the plan included a pipeline to transport water from a spring-fed lake—located on the opposite side of the historic district—directly through the heart of Middleway. The impact would have been devastating to this living rural village, home to buildings dating back to the mid-1700s, some of which are still occupied by descendants of the original settlers. The pipeline would have passed within feet of some of the district’s oldest homes and several historic cemeteries, with burials dating back hundreds of years. The project also called for heavy truck traffic to navigate narrow roads, putting fragile 18th- and 19th-century structures at risk—without even accounting for the broader environmental concerns raised by the facility itself.
In response, a true grassroots movement emerged through the leadership of Jessie Norris and Stacy & Nichole Chapman. Stacy and Nichole mobilized Protect Middleway, while Jessie activated the existing Middleway Conservancy. Together, they galvanized the community, brought public attention to the threat, and led a successful campaign to oppose the development. This included the listing of Middleway among PAWV’s Most Endangered Historic Properties List. The two organizations were successful in advocating locally as the Jefferson County Planning Commission unanimously denied the proposal during the March meeting. Sidewinder Enterprises has since filed a lawsuit against the county, and the battle continues.
This award honors the Middleway Conservancy and Protect Middleway for their extraordinary perseverance, leadership, and commitment to preserving an irreplaceable piece of West Virginia’s history.
Beneath the proposed site lay a known contaminant plume. To make matters worse, the plan included a pipeline to transport water from a spring-fed lake—located on the opposite side of the historic district—directly through the heart of Middleway. The impact would have been devastating to this living rural village, home to buildings dating back to the mid-1700s, some of which are still occupied by descendants of the original settlers. The pipeline would have passed within feet of some of the district’s oldest homes and several historic cemeteries, with burials dating back hundreds of years. The project also called for heavy truck traffic to navigate narrow roads, putting fragile 18th- and 19th-century structures at risk—without even accounting for the broader environmental concerns raised by the facility itself.
In response, a true grassroots movement emerged through the leadership of Jessie Norris and Stacy & Nichole Chapman. Stacy and Nichole mobilized Protect Middleway, while Jessie activated the existing Middleway Conservancy. Together, they galvanized the community, brought public attention to the threat, and led a successful campaign to oppose the development. This included the listing of Middleway among PAWV’s Most Endangered Historic Properties List. The two organizations were successful in advocating locally as the Jefferson County Planning Commission unanimously denied the proposal during the March meeting. Sidewinder Enterprises has since filed a lawsuit against the county, and the battle continues.
This award honors the Middleway Conservancy and Protect Middleway for their extraordinary perseverance, leadership, and commitment to preserving an irreplaceable piece of West Virginia’s history.
Lisa Badia, executive director of the Greater Wheeling Homeless Coalition, received this award in recognition of her 14 years of dedication to preserving the historic Frederick Faris House on Wheeling Island. Faris—often referred to as the “dean of Wheeling’s architects”—served in the West Virginia Legislature, generously donated his time to design public buildings, and was a 32nd-degree Mason who designed the Scottish Rite Temple where he also served. Thanks to Lisa’s persistence, this architecturally significant home—relocated decades ago following flooding on Wheeling Island—has been saved once again. This award honors Lisa’s commitment and encourages her continued efforts to preserve this unique piece of Wheeling’s architectural heritage
Chris Rizer is a passionate advocate for the city of Point Pleasant and a dedicated leader in historic preservation. As the Director of Main Street Point Pleasant, Chris consistently goes above and beyond his official responsibilities. Since returning to his home state a few years ago, he has been a tireless champion for West Virginia’s history and heritage.
Chris has taken on key leadership roles beyond his local work, including co-leading advocacy efforts among Main Street Directors. He regularly meets with legislators to address challenges facing West Virginia’s historic downtowns and to promote the use of these areas as powerful tools for economic development. In his day-to-day role, Chris partners with property owners on preservation projects and is a vocal supporter of the state’s historic tax credit program.
In addition to his role at Main Street Point Pleasant, Chris has served on the Mason County Historical and Preservation Society since 2017, applying his expertise to a range of local initiatives. He also serves on the board of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, where he continues to advocate for preservation-friendly policies and promote best practices statewide.
Chris has taken on key leadership roles beyond his local work, including co-leading advocacy efforts among Main Street Directors. He regularly meets with legislators to address challenges facing West Virginia’s historic downtowns and to promote the use of these areas as powerful tools for economic development. In his day-to-day role, Chris partners with property owners on preservation projects and is a vocal supporter of the state’s historic tax credit program.
In addition to his role at Main Street Point Pleasant, Chris has served on the Mason County Historical and Preservation Society since 2017, applying his expertise to a range of local initiatives. He also serves on the board of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, where he continues to advocate for preservation-friendly policies and promote best practices statewide.
This award is named in honor of Bob Weir, a Wheeling native renowned for his pivotal role in revitalizing Victorian Old Town, as well as the downtown and Center Wheeling areas. The 2025 recipient, Roger Edwards, is following in Bob’s footsteps with his dedication to restoring historic properties throughout the city. For this award, we highlight one particularly challenging rehabilitation project in North Wheeling.
The house had suffered extensive damage due to an undetected roof leak—the result of a long-term tenant failing to notify the out-of-town owner. The interior had collapsed floor by floor: from the third to the second, the second to the first, and finally into the basement. With no rear access for lift equipment and multiple contractors having declined the job, many considered the structure beyond saving. But Roger saw its potential and rose to the challenge.
Originally from Florida, where he ran a successful contracting business, Roger brought both experience and vision to Wheeling’s historic neighborhoods. He already owned and was working on several other properties, including an 1840s house on Main Street Terrace, a circa 1869 apartment building at 642 Main Street, and a partnership project to rehabilitate a notorious 14-unit apartment building.
With a methodical plan, Roger began the restoration from the inside, working his way up through the collapsed structure. Today, the major damage has been repaired, a new dormer window has been added, and the house is well on its way to being restored. His previous projects throughout the North Wheeling Historic District further demonstrate his dedication to craftsmanship and preservation
The house had suffered extensive damage due to an undetected roof leak—the result of a long-term tenant failing to notify the out-of-town owner. The interior had collapsed floor by floor: from the third to the second, the second to the first, and finally into the basement. With no rear access for lift equipment and multiple contractors having declined the job, many considered the structure beyond saving. But Roger saw its potential and rose to the challenge.
Originally from Florida, where he ran a successful contracting business, Roger brought both experience and vision to Wheeling’s historic neighborhoods. He already owned and was working on several other properties, including an 1840s house on Main Street Terrace, a circa 1869 apartment building at 642 Main Street, and a partnership project to rehabilitate a notorious 14-unit apartment building.
With a methodical plan, Roger began the restoration from the inside, working his way up through the collapsed structure. Today, the major damage has been repaired, a new dormer window has been added, and the house is well on its way to being restored. His previous projects throughout the North Wheeling Historic District further demonstrate his dedication to craftsmanship and preservation
This award is named in honor of Rodney Collins, the long-time architectural historian at the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office. The 2025 recipient is State Senator Ryan Weld of Wellsburg, a steadfast advocate for historic preservation in the Mountain State.
Senator Weld has played a pivotal role in advancing the West Virginia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, helping to drive meaningful investment in historic redevelopment projects across the state. In 2017, he co-sponsored legislation to increase the tax credit from 10% to 25%, making West Virginia more competitive with neighboring states. In 2021, he led efforts to remove the program’s cap, paving the way for more ambitious preservation initiatives statewide.
Most recently, in 2025, Senator Weld sponsored legislation to clarify the tax credit’s application process. Although the measure did not pass this session, his continued leadership reflects a deep understanding of the program’s value. Thanks to his ongoing support, historic preservation is fueling the revitalization of Main Streets and downtown areas throughout West Virginia.
Senator Weld has played a pivotal role in advancing the West Virginia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, helping to drive meaningful investment in historic redevelopment projects across the state. In 2017, he co-sponsored legislation to increase the tax credit from 10% to 25%, making West Virginia more competitive with neighboring states. In 2021, he led efforts to remove the program’s cap, paving the way for more ambitious preservation initiatives statewide.
Most recently, in 2025, Senator Weld sponsored legislation to clarify the tax credit’s application process. Although the measure did not pass this session, his continued leadership reflects a deep understanding of the program’s value. Thanks to his ongoing support, historic preservation is fueling the revitalization of Main Streets and downtown areas throughout West Virginia.
This award is named in honor of Dr. Emory Kemp, a founding member of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia. A nationally recognized engineer, Dr. Kemp was instrumental in the preservation of West Virginia landmarks such as the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and Independence Hall.
This year’s recipient, Jeanne Finstein of Wheeling, has likewise made an extraordinary impact on historic preservation in the state. As President of Friends of Wheeling, Jeanne has played a vital role in saving more than 20 historic buildings in the Friendly City. Her contributions range from researching and preparing nominations for the National Register of Historic Places to advocating for the protection of threatened buildings and developing programs like the Friends of Wheeling loan guaranty initiative, which helps property owners acquire and rehabilitate historic structures.
A recent example of her leadership is the Hughes House project in Wheeling which Jeanne spearheaded for Friends of Wheeling. She successfully applied for and administered a Saving Historic Places Grant to fund the fabrication of historically accurate windows for the house.
Jeanne is also active in cemetery preservation and leads architectural heritage tours that celebrate Wheeling’s distinctive built environment. In addition, she previously served as interim director of Wheeling Heritage and received its 2024 Friend of Heritage Award in recognition of her outstanding service. A long-time volunteer and advocate, Jeanne Finstein exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Alliance looks forward to continuing its partnership with her in the years to come.
This year’s recipient, Jeanne Finstein of Wheeling, has likewise made an extraordinary impact on historic preservation in the state. As President of Friends of Wheeling, Jeanne has played a vital role in saving more than 20 historic buildings in the Friendly City. Her contributions range from researching and preparing nominations for the National Register of Historic Places to advocating for the protection of threatened buildings and developing programs like the Friends of Wheeling loan guaranty initiative, which helps property owners acquire and rehabilitate historic structures.
A recent example of her leadership is the Hughes House project in Wheeling which Jeanne spearheaded for Friends of Wheeling. She successfully applied for and administered a Saving Historic Places Grant to fund the fabrication of historically accurate windows for the house.
Jeanne is also active in cemetery preservation and leads architectural heritage tours that celebrate Wheeling’s distinctive built environment. In addition, she previously served as interim director of Wheeling Heritage and received its 2024 Friend of Heritage Award in recognition of her outstanding service. A long-time volunteer and advocate, Jeanne Finstein exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Alliance looks forward to continuing its partnership with her in the years to come.
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