Past Historic Preservation Award Recipients

Since 2009, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has recognized the valuable contributions and hard work of preservationists across the state during its annual West Virginia Historic Preservation Awards Banquet. Because of the dedication, wherewithal, and perseverance of grassroots groups and esteemed individuals, historic preservation in West Virginia is growing and is successful. Preservation Alliance of West Virginia gives awards each year to those often overlooked for the work they do to make West Virginia communities great places to live. 

Award categories are Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award, Rodney Collins’ Preservation Achievement Award,  Bob Weir Craftsperson Award, Heritage Tourism Award,  Best Use of Historic Tax Credits Award, West Virginia Media Award,  Historic Landscape Restoration Award, Most Significant Save of an Endangered Property, Award for Preservation of Historic Downtown Areas, Community Preservation Award, Archaeology Award, and the Volunteer Award.

2019
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Clarksburg
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The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia honored preservationists from across the state during the 11th Annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet held at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 21, 2019. In addition to the awards presentation, there was also a guided trolley tour of historical sites in Clarksburg (sponsored by Mills Group), which was possible because of partnerships with local historical organizations, Clarksburg - Harrison County Public Library and the Harrison County Historical Society. 

The keynote speaker for the event was Renee Kuhlman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Ms. Kuhlman discussed the historic rehabilitation tax credit and how the 2017 increase has been instrumental to new development projects in West Virginia and has been a model for other states across the country. 
Beverly Jail - PRESERVATION PERSISTENCE AWARD
Golden Rule (Belington) - PRESERVATION PERSISTENCE AWARD
PicturePhoto courtesy of JoLynn Powers.
This award was presented to the Woodlands Development Group for their Golden Rule building project. The Golden Rule is one of the few remaining buildings from the early 1900s boom experienced in Barbour County. This beautiful, three-story brick building was built in 1902. The Golden Rule building has been vacant for over 20 years and has been subject to neglect. Its Italianate architectural style is a rarity that remains intact from the town’s commercial boom in the first half of the twentieth century. It is additionally unique because it features a water-powered elevator. One of only two known to exist in operational condition in the country. Over the last 20 years, members of the Belington Revitalization Committee and the Barbour County Economic Development Authority have persisted in its rehabilitation until finally attracting an investor in the Woodlands Development Group. 

In March 2019, the Woodlands Development Group (WDG) purchased the building. WDG secured a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Award for the project. The National Register Nomination has been approved at the state level and is now under review by the National Park Service. Part 1 and Part 2 of the Historic Tax Credit application have been submitted and are under review. Construction is expected to start in September 2019 for the full rehab of the building. In the meantime, the Appalachian Forest national Heritage Area’s Hands on Team, under the direction of Woodland Development Group’s Dustin Smith and Jolynn Powers, have taken on the much needed cleanup and selected interior demolition in preparation of its rehab. 
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The ultimate goal is to save this historic landmark and repurpose it for use by the community and to be a thriving part of the town once again. Eventually the building could house a variety of office, community, and residential spaces. 
Waldomore (Clarksburg Harrison Public Library) - STEWARDSHIP AWARD
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The Preservation Alliance selected the Waldomore to receive the Stewardship Award because as a Preserve WV AmeriCorps site for several years, we realize the extreme care taken to restore this property and preserve bits collections during the building's restoration process. The staff at the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library (including Edward Pride, Jill Raftner, and former staff member Cathy Norko) employed best stewardship practices, which are a model for other projects such as these.
Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center - DOWNTOWN PRESERVATION AWARD
The award recipients were  the City of Clarksburg and WYK Associates, while Aurora Research Associates, Brian Wishneff & Associates, and the general contractor, March Westin were also recognized for their parts in making this project a success.

Jeff Zinn - COMMUNITY PRESERVATION AWARD
This award goes to projects that remind us that it is our community buildings that embody and encapsulate our coming together as a people in the good times and the bad. Meredith Dreistadt, an Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area AmeriCorps member serving at Arthurdale Heritage, nominated Jeff Zinn for this award. She wrote in her nomination how Jeff Zinn is "unparalleled as a contractor, as a preservationist, and as a dear friend and supporter of Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. His work along with his team’s is always high quality, historically accurate, and beautiful. During tours, visitors almost always comment on how fantastic our buildings have been kept up, and this is in large part, thanks to Jeff and his team. Their projects at Arthurdale have ranged from fixing a small leak to full-scale rehabilitations."

Elkins Coal & Coke Building (Masontown) - BEST SAVE OF AN ENDANGERED PROPERTY
Best Save of an Endangered Property. PAWV’s endangered property program provides technical assistance and support to important historical properties whose demise may be imminent. The Elkins Coal and Coke Building of Masontown was one such property. Built in 1907, it was once part of Shephen B. Elkins’ railroad and coal holdings. This building was used in the coal and coke operations in Masontown and neighboring Bretz community.  According to Ella Belling, Executive Director of the Mon River Trails Conservancy, “this project has taken almost over a decade to complete and has had many involved in the process..”
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Today the Elkins Coal and Coke Building has been adaptively rehabilitated to serve as the first public restroom facility along the 19.5 mile trail that extends from the outskirts of Reedsville to Morgantown where it connects to the 29 mile Mon River Rail-Trail. In 2011, this building was placed on the Endangered Properties List by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia.  We are recognizing the property as saved after having achieved rehabilitation and a new purpose for the community and the region. 

The Masontown Trailhead Facility project, totaling $294,566.00, includes funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, administered by the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways. The design and inspection work were done by Alpha Associates, Inc. and the restoration work on the building and landscaping completed by Veritas Contracting, LLC . 

In 2015, the building received a new lease between the Town of Masontown and the Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission.  PCPARC agreed to take over management of the property as a mini-park, which was a critical step in saving it from demolition or simple neglect.
​Palace Furniture Building (Clarksburg) - BEST USE OF HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Palace building is a seven-story building that was built in 1911.  It was the first concrete-steel building to be constructed in West Virginia. This project really saw movement forward with the passage of the tax credit increase. When the Sadd Brothers purchased and started to rehab this building in 2017, there was almost no sign of its former use. The Sadd Brothers were able to rehabilitate this project using funding from the WV Development Housing Fund, Clarksburg Harrison County Regional Housing Authority, and Stratford Capital to transform this dilapidated building into 40 residential units.

Others recognized for their work on this project include Michael Gioulis, Aric Margolis Architecture, City Construction Company, Vandalia Heritage, Martin Howe and Anthony Belotte.

Doug Hylton - DR. EMORY KEMP LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
After a career in the military and private sector that took him all over the world, Doug returned to his hometown of Ronceverte, bought one of the most beautiful historic homes in town and son served as interim City Administrator.  In this role he saw the need to create the Ronceverte Development Corporation and make successful application to the Main Street program to have Ronceverte become a designated National Main Street Community. As the Main Street director he began to look for ways to redevelop Ronceverte buildings that had long been vacant and ways to expand recreational activities for residents.   

The RDC took ownership and redeveloped multiple buildings in town that to this day provide apartments and viable business locations.  He then purchased buildings personally and was in the process of redeveloping those. He rallied the community to support the effort and it wasn’t uncommon to place a phone call to Doug to hear “he’s out pouring concrete for new steps at the cemetery”, or “he’s hanging flower baskets or he took someone for her doctor appointment” in addition to writing many successful grant applications and attracting development dollars and sweat equity to his hometown.  He was adored by community members, other Main Street colleagues and all other clients for whom he worked. He was a collector of old movie memorabilia. He was a frequent speaker at state and national training programs and was called on to serve on the board of the NIP tax credit program. Words to describe Doug--community developer, volunteer, mentor, grant writer, visionary, preservationist, and most importantly friend.

(Written by Monica Miller, PAWV Board Member)

2018
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Parkersburg
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia honored historic preservation award recipients on Saturday, September 21st, during its 10th annual awards banquet.  The event was held at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg and featured keynote speaker, Ed McMahon, National Main Street Advisor and Charles E. Fraser Chair on Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Washington, D.C.   

Thank you to the award recipients for their tireless efforts in preserving our Mountain State's heritage! 
Henderson Hall - 2018 Stewardship Award
The 2018 Stewardship Award was presented to Henderson Hall (Wood County, West Virginia) for its outstanding stewardship of this historic home.
Tygart Valley Homestead Association - ​2018 Preservation Persistence Award
​The Tygart Valley Homestead Association is the recipient of one of the 2018 Preservation Persistence Awards for the acquisition and preservation of the Homestead Elementary School in Dailey (Randolph County).
Julia - Ann Square Historical Community Association - ​2018 Preservation Persistence Award
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia honored the Julia-Ann Square Historical Community Association (Wood County) for its effort in preserving the historical Julia-Ann Square neighborhood and encouraging individuals to visit the beautiful neighborhood.
Red Oak Knob Fire Tower - 2018 Heritage Tourism Award
The United States Forest Service’s Monongahela National Forest’s Heritage Program has been selected to receive Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s 2018 Heritage Tourism Award for its work in preserving and adaptively re-using the Red Oak Knob Fire Tower in Cowen (Webster County). This unique heritage tourism destination allows visitors to rent historic fire towers, such as the Red Oak Knob Fire Tower, and remaining cabs as overnight camping destinations in West Virginia. Appalachian Forest Heritage Area’s hands-on team and HistoriCorps was also recognized during this event for their collaborative efforts on this project.
FIBOW Realty - 2018 Best Use of Historic Tax Credits Award
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s 2018 Best Use of Historic Tax Credits Award was presented to FIBOW Realty for its work with the Flat Iron Building in Wheeling. The former Riverside Iron Works Office Building, now the Flat Iron Building, on the corner of South and Main Streets in the Wheeling Historic District contributes to the continued rebirth of the Wheeling Central Business District. Mills Group, LLC was also recognized for its effort in the project and guidance in using the historic tax credits. ​
Charles Washington Hall - 2018 Downtown Preservation Award
Charles Washington Hall in Charles Town (Jefferson County) was selected to receive Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s 2018 Downtown Preservation Award. The City of Charles Town, Grove & Dall’Olio Architects, Rockwell Construction, Stromberg-Garrigan Associates, and Wishneff & Associates were recognized for their collaboration in rehabilitating this cornerstone building and for the creative use of Historic Tax Credits in making this project viable. The Charles Washington Hall project has fostered an interest in the continuing revitalization of other historic buildings in the downtown.
Robert Enoch - 2018 Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Enoch of Parkersburg was honored for his work in preserving Wood County historic and landmarks and his dedication to the Wood County Historical & Preservation Society.

2017
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Charleston
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia honored historic preservation award recipients on Saturday, September 30th, during its 9th annual awards banquet.  The event was held at the Municipal Auditorium in Charleston and featured keynote speaker, Patrick Seymour, of the Theatre Historical Society of America.  Delegate Larry Rowe was the Master of Ceremonies, and Mr. Brooks McCabe was a special guest speaker discussing the importance of advocating for the state and federal historic tax credits.  It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all.  

Thank you to the award recipients for their tireless efforts in preserving our Mountain State's heritage!  Keep up the great work!
Mt. Wood Cemetery - 2017 Stewardship Award
​The 2017 Stewardship Award is the Mt. Wood Cemetery. Wheeling National Heritage Area, under the leadership of Rebekah Karelis, leads the preservation of this important site.  ​
Staats Building - ​2017 Preservation Persistence Award
​Crawford Holdings, Inc. is the recipient of one of the 2017 Preservation Persistence Awards for the rehabilitation and reuse of the Staats Building on the West Side of Charleston, West Virginia.
Friends of Old Stone Cemetery - ​2017 Preservation Persistence Award
​The Friends of Old Stone Cemetery in Lewisburg (Greenbrier County), West Virginia, received the Preservation Persistence Award.
Create Buckhannon - ​2017 Community Preservation Award Recipient
Create Buckhannon (Upshur County) is a community development organization in West Virginia. The organization received the 2017 Community Preservation Award for its efforts in revitalizing downtown Buckhannon. Projects include the purchase and rehabilitation of the Colonial Theatre, community festival planning, and much more. 
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Learn more at http://www.createbuckhannon.com/
Rick Steelhammer - 2017 West Virginia Media Award
Rick Steelhammer, staff writer for the Charleston Gazette-Mail, is the recipient of the 2017 West Virginia Media Award for his excellent coverage of historic preservation-related issues.
John Henry Historical Park - 2017 Heritage Tourism Award
The John Henry Historical Park Steering Committee received the 2017 Heritage Tourism Award because the organization created a new tourist destination in Summers County, West Virginia. By doing so, the steering committee preserved the history of John Henry, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, and Talcott for future generations. The John Henry Historical Park Steering Committee like the park is a symbol of hard work, strength, love, dedication, and persistence.  ​
The Woda Group - 2017 Best Use of Historic Tax Credits Award
The Woda Group is the recipient of the 2017 Best Use of Historic Tax Credit Award for the rehabilitation of the Boury Warehouse (now the Boury Lofts) in Wheeling, West Virginia. This project has contributed to the rebirth of Wheeling’s Central Business District and dramatically improved the skyline of Wheeling, as well as fostered an interest in the continuing revitalization of other historic buildings in the downtown. The architect for this project was Vic Greco of Mills Group.
Crawford Holdings, Inc. - 2017 Downtown Preservation Award
Crawford Holdings, Inc. is the recipient of the 2017 Downtown Preservation Award for the company's efforts in rehabilitating and preserving numerous buildings in the Elk City district of Charleston's West Side.
Paul Marshall - 2017 Rodney Collins Preservation Achievement Award
The 2017 Rodney Collins Preservation Achievement Award recipient is Paul Marshall for his work as an architect in West Virginia.
Dr. Ronald Ripley - 2017 Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Ronald Ripley of Monroe County has been recognized for his life-long dedication to preserving the heritage of Monroe County through the Monroe County Historical Society. He is the recipient of the 2017 Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award. 

​Learn more about Monroe County, West Virginia's history at http://monroewvhistory.org/.

2016
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Elkins
​The 8th Annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet was held at Halliehurst Mansion in Elkins on Friday, September 23, 2016.  The keynote speaker was Daniel Carey, President of the Historic Savannah Foundation.  This year’s event was part of the statewide historic preservation conference “This Place Matters” held in Beverly and Elkins.  

The 2016 Historic Preservation Award Winners were:
  • Landscape Preservation Award – Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of Rich Mountain Battlefield in Randolph County.
  • Downtown Preservation Award – MountainPlex Properties for undertaking multiple historic preservation and re-use projects in historic Hinton, including the Ritz Theatre and the McCreery Hotel.
  • Cultural Preservation Award – Davis and Elkins College for its development of the Center for Railway Tourism and the preservation of multiple historic buildings on campus, including Halliehurst Mansion and Graceland Inn and Conference Center.   
  • Rodney Collins Preservation Achievement Award – Toni Ogden of Lewisburg for her efforts in preserving historic cemeteries.
  • Preservation Achievement Award – Main Street Ripley for the Alpine Theatre restoration project.
  • Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award – Randy Allan of Beverly for his dedication to preserving historic landmarks in Beverly.

For the second year in a row, the Alliance featured two award categories, which also include cash awards to be used for specific preservation projects.  The Preservation Persistence Award was awarded to two separate property stewards that are working diligently to preserve properties on the WV Endangered Properties List.  The Stewardship Award was given to one property steward for exemplifying best preservation practices.  

These awards were presented to:
  • Preservation Persistence Award – Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion, Greenbrier Historical Society
  • Preservation Persistence Award – McCoy Fort Project, Williamsburg District Historical Foundation
  • Stewardship Award – Monroe County Historical Society

2015
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Grafton
The 7th Annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet was held in downtown Grafton at the International Mother’s Day Shrine on September 19, 2015.  The keynote speaker for the event was Nikki Bowman, founder of New South Media, Inc., which publishes notable magazines WV LIVING and WV Weddings.

The 2015 Historic Preservation Award Winners are:
  • Archaeology Award – Jamie Vosvick for his commitment in volunteering to the preservation of the Cockayne Farmstead in Glen Dale.
  • Most Significant Save of an Endangered Site – Friends of Happy Retreat for the acquisition of Happy Retreat in Charles Town.  It was listed as an Endangered Site in 2010.
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Dr. David Trowbridge, professor at Marshall University, for the Clio, a smartphone application that connects people to historic places while traveling.
  • Best Use of Historic Tax Credits – GJR Enterprises for the advantageous use of Historic Tax Credits in the adaptive re-use of the Riley Law Building and the development of the Kaley Center in Wheeling.
  • Media Award – Liberty School Fine Arts program for the Helen Apartment Building Restoration video.
  • Landscape Preservation Award – City of Beckley for the Alfred Beckley Mill Project and preserving the landscape for future projects including a National Register Nomination and the development of a city park.
  • Downtown Preservation Award – International Mother’s Day Shrine for multiple preservation and adaptive re-use projects in downtown Grafton, including the Manos Theater and International Mother’s Day Shrine.
  • Community Preservation Award – Wheeling Young Preservationists for their role in preserving downtown Wheeling preservation projects including the annual lovescaping awareness campaign held in February, their efforts in preserving the Blue Church and Mt. Wood Cemetery, and preservation trades educational workshops presented to students of all ages.
  • Preservation Achievement (Person) – Susan Adkins, Executive Director of Carnegie Hall, for her commitment to developing cultural heritage tourism and preserving the historic theater in downtown Lewisburg.
  • Preservation Achievement (Building) – Adaland Mansion restoration project under the directorship of Dr. Ann Serafin.
  • Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award – JoAnn Lough of Fairmont for her dedication to preserving Marion County history and presenting it through different educational forms to the public.
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This year, the Alliance added two new award categories which also included cash awards to be used toward preservation projects.  The cash awards were made possible because of an anonymous donor with strong beliefs in the value of historic preservation.
  • Preservation Persistence Award – Ella Belling, Elkins Coal and Coke Building in Masontown (2010 Endangered Properties List)
  • Preservation Persistence Award – Holt Barnitz, White House in Nicholas County (2015 Endangered Properties List)
  • Stewardship Award – Cockayne Farmstead in Glen Dale

2014
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Huntington
The 2014 Historic Preservation Awards Banquet was held on Friday, September 26, 2014, at the Palms Reception Hall, Historic Century Building in Huntington as part of their 2014 “From the Ground Up” Conference.  Prior to the banquet, attendees enjoyed a private tour of Dr. Touma’s Medical Museum. Keynote speaker Dr. Paul Gardner of the Archaeological Conservancy presented Preserving the Past in the Private Sector: The Archaeological Conservancy in West Virginia and Beyond.

The award recipients were…
  • Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award - Betty “Snookie” Nutting
  • Preservation Achievement Award - Monica Miller
  • Most Significant Save of an Endangered Site -  Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, WV
  • Heritage Tourism Award - Heritage Farm Museum and Village in Huntington, WV
  • West Virginia Media Award - WBOY Channel 12​
  • Archaeology Award - Drs. Stephen and Kim McBride​

2013
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Morgantown
The 2013 Historic Preservation Awards were held at the Hotel Morgan in Morgantown.  The keynote speaker was Donovan Rypkema, and he also presented a day-long workshop prior the awards ceremony.

The award recipients were…
  • Community Preservation Award - Beverly Heritage Center
  • Heritage Tourism Award - Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial
  • WV Media Award - Nikki Bowman
  • Award for Best Use of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits - First Ward School project
  • Downtown Preservation Award - Main Street Morgantown
  • Preservation Achievement - Woodburn Hall Restoration Project​
  • Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award - Jon Smith

2012
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Jefferson County
During the 2012 Historic Preservation Conference in Jefferson County, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia focused on recent preservation feats accomplished locally. It was a splendid affair held at the Quality Hotel & Conference Center in Harpers Ferry with good people and an uplifting and inspiring keynote speech delivered by Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute.

The award recipients were…
  • Preservation Achievement Award - John C. Allen, Jr. for his thorough eight-year survey and beautiful, comprehensive book of 250 of Jefferson County’s domestic buildings entitled, Uncommon Vernacular: Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835.
  • Community Preservation Award – American Public University System for its redevelopment and reuse of several historic buildings in the Downtown Charles Town Historic District. The buildings are being used for the university system’s offices.
  • Most Significant Property Save – Fisherman’s Hall, African American Community Association of Jefferson County. The local organization spent over 18 years working to restore the building, which is used for community gatherings. 
  • Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award – David Kemnitzer for his on-going, exemplary career as a historic preservation architect. David was involved in the preservation of some of the nation’s and West Virginia’s greatest landmarks including the United States Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Department of Commerce Library, the Marion County Courthouse in Fairmont, and the historic Jefferson County Courthouse.

2011
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Charleston
The 2011 Historic Preservation Awards Banquet was held at the Scottish Rite Building in downtown Charleston. Projects from around the state were honored, and Greg Coble was the keynote speaker. Greg is the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at Hostelling International USA. Prior to his current position, he was the Senior Vice President of Business and Finance at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Greg gave a retrospective speech about his native West Virginia, historic preservation activity, and his time with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

The award recipients were…
  • Preservation of Historic Downtown Areas – West Side Main Street for its façade renovation grant program for business owners looking to improve their properties. 
  • Preservation of Historic Downtown Areas – East End Main Street for providing free historic preservation consultation to property owners and engaging in an exterior façade and sign restoration grant program. 
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Civil War Trail, WV Division of Tourism for helping to identify, interpret, and create driving tours centered on 150 Civil War sites and stories statewide. 
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Independence Hall - Travis Henline and the WV Division of Culture and History for the restoration and updating of the historic Independence Hall.
  • Best Use of Historic Preservation Tax Credits – Riverview at Clendenin School - AU Associates, Associates for Riverview at Clendenin School, and Terrell Ellis for combining Federal Stimulus money and USDA funds aimed at improving the quality of Community Health Clinics with NPS funds aimed at revitalizing areas hard hit by vacancy, delinquency, and foreclosure and Federal and State Historic Preservation Tax Credits to rehabilitate and renovate the historic school, which is now used for senior housing and houses a second-floor health clinic.
  • Historic Landscape Restoration Award – New River Gorge National River, Richard Segars (Historical Architect) for restoration of Nuttalburg.
  • Most Significant Save of an Endangered Site Award – Quarrier Diner, listed on the 2010 Endangered Properties List, was restored, renovated, and reopened in 2011 as a diner, bar, and banquet area. Check it out on your next visit to Charleston: www.quarrierdiner.com/
  • Most Significant Save of an Endangered Site Award – Friends of Kanawha Trestle Trail for their work to create a trail system of accessible and safe routes for bikes and pedestrians. This rail trail system will preserve and restore two historic and unique rail structures that are eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places: The Whipple Bridge and Kanawha Trestle.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Emory Kemp, a modern-day Renaissance man, for his amazing career, which spans 50 years and is still going strong. Dr. Kemp specializes in the history and preservation of historic bridges. He has been involved in dozens of projects to document, restore and interpret historic iron and steel truss bridges, wooden covered bridges, cable suspension bridges, stone arch bridges, and more. A much abbreviated list of his numerous bridge projects includes: the (National Historic Landmark) 1849 Wheeling Suspension Bridge, Philippi Covered Bridge, Barrackville Covered Bridge, Milton Covered Bridge, Humpback Bridge (in VA), Duck Run Cable Suspension Bridge, and the Glenville Truss Bridge. In addition to hands-on bridge preservation activities, Kemp has also authored numerous books and articles on the topic.

2010
Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Fairmont
In 2010, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia held its annual awards banquet during the biennial preservation conference in Fairmont, a recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s prestigious Great American Main Street Award. The banquet was held at the High Gate Carriage House. Former Congressman Alan Mollohan joined us for this event. 

The recipients were…
  • Most Significant Endangered Property Save – Marion County Jail - the City of Fairmont Historic Landmark Commission, Jo Ann Lough, and Randy Elliot for restoration efforts of the jail and combining it with the Marion County Historical Society’s Museum Complex.
  • Community Preservation Award – Main Street Fairmont for outstanding community preservation efforts. Vera Sansalone and Sandra Scaffidi tirelessly worked at Main Street Fairmont to rejuvenate the downtown area, as well as preserve the town's historic treasures.
  • Preservation Achievement Award – Former Congressman Alan Mollohan for his lifelong efforts in preservation-based economic development. Mollohan played a pivotal role in the preservation of the 1921 bridge that connects East and West Fairmont. He strongly supported historic preservation as an economic development tool, and the High Gate Carriage House was another project to which he provided funding.

2009
Statewide Historic Preservation Award Recipients in Huntington
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s Historic Preservation Awards Banquet began in 2009 and was held at the Keith-Albee Theatre in Huntington.

The recipients were… 
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Main Street Point Pleasant for its Revitalization Program of Point Pleasant. From 2003-2009, the Main Street program brought in more than $7 million in investments to the community. 
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine for its Visitor Center and educational Coal Heritage Tourism museum and facilities.
  • Heritage Tourism Award – Sophia Historic District - Winding Gulf Restoration Organization for its work on projects to benefit the community including, a Community Watch, playground construction, Coal Miner’s Memorial, beautification projects, and successful lobbying for a modern waste water treatment system. 
  • Most Significant Endangered Property Save – Jefferson County Jail - Carol Gallant, Kevin Sarring, Jim Whipple, Doug Estepp, Matt Grove, and Tom Michael for their six-year legal battle to save the jail from the wrecking ball and overseeing its restoration.
  • Best Historic Preservation Tax Credit Project - Bennett Square, formerly the Wheeling Public Library - McKinley Associates and Walters Construction for the restoration and reuse project. The total renovation project of the former Wheeling Public Library created high-quality office space, which is now home to the financial services firm, McKinley Carter Wealth Services, in addition to being the Wheeling office for Dinsmore & Shohl Attorney.
  • Historic Preservation Lifetime Achievement Award – The Keith-Albee Theatre - The Hyman Family
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