 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 17th annual West Virginia Historic Preservation Awards at a special banquet on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the MAC Ice House in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. These awards recognized outstanding contributions to historic preservation throughout the Mountain State. The banquet was the culminating activity for this year’s West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference held May 12 – 14. Preservationists 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, National Park Service, Main Street America, and more. 2026 West Virginia Historic Preservation Award Recipients
Detailed information about each award included below. Outstanding Americorps Service AwardJoni Morris (Fairmont)  Joni Liston-Morris of Fairmont, WV has completed an extraordinary four terms of AmeriCorps service, including three terms right here in West Virginia with Preserve WV and the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia. Over the course of her service, she has dedicated an incredible 4,173 hours to AmeriCorps, with 3,850 of those hours spent serving the people, history, and communities of West Virginia. Joni began her Preserve WV AmeriCorps journey in 2022 at the West Virginia and Regional History Center, where she worked diligently to catalog portions of Dr. Emory Kemp’s personal collection and reorganize the Institute for the History of Technology and Industrial Archaeology collection at West Virginia University. Through her careful archival work, she helped preserve invaluable pieces of West Virginia history for future generations of researchers, students, and preservationists. In 2023, while serving with the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Joni launched what would become one of the most meaningful initiatives of her service: the West Virginia Cemetery Preservation Project. Through this work, Joni secured funding for 20 cemetery preservation workshops held across the state, reaching more than 325 participants. She personally developed the educational materials, led the workshops, and created evaluation tools to ensure participants gained meaningful hands-on knowledge. What makes this achievement especially remarkable is that cemetery preservation is about far more than stones and landscapes. It is about honoring memory, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring that the stories of our communities are not forgotten. Joni understood that deeply, and her work reflected it every step of the way. Her commitment to service also extended beyond preservation. During her 2023 AmeriCorps term, Joni organized a civic service project to assist flood victims in Hindman, collecting more than $1,000 in donated supplies. She and her husband, Allen, then traveled to Kentucky to volunteer in person, helping distribute donations and assisting a family as they cleaned out their 125-year-old home after devastating flooding. Preservation Hero AwardZachary Salman (Berkeley Springs)  PAWV Board President Cade Vogelsong (left) pictured with Zachary Salman (right) at the banquet. Zachary Salman is being recognized for his passion for preservation, which began at a remarkably young age and has continued to grow into a lifelong commitment to protecting the history and character of his hometown. Zachary’s story is one rooted deeply in community. Raised in Berkeley Springs, he grew up surrounded by the arts, architecture, and history that make Morgan County such a special place. As a young student attending programs at the Morgan Arts Council Ice House, he developed not only creative talents, but also a strong sense of stewardship for the historic places around him. Even as a teenager, Zachary stood out. At just 14 years old, he was recognized by Google as their top mapping contributor for the many corrections and improvements he made to online maps — including countless updates benefiting Morgan County. The following year, at age 15, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce because of the economic impact those efforts had on the community. But Zachary’s interest was never simply about maps. It was about place. It was about understanding the buildings, streets, and stories that shape a community’s identity. Over the years, local historians including Jeanne Mozier, Betty Lou Harmison, and Barbara Norton shared their knowledge and archival materials with him, helping inspire projects that brought preservation awareness to the public in innovative ways. Zachary created an interactive architectural history map, preservation-focused media projects, educational materials, and social media outreach documenting both the beauty of the Town of Bath and the historic structures that have been lost over time. You can view the video "Berkeley Springs - Then and Now" that Zachary created on YouTube. From 2020 to 2025, Zachary served on the Town of Bath Historic Landmark Commission, where he worked tirelessly on preservation advocacy, deed research, design review initiatives, demolition ordinances, and educational outreach. He has generously advised countless property owners on caring for their historic buildings — always offering his expertise freely and with genuine enthusiasm. Today, Zachary continues this work professionally through the New York State Historic Preservation Office, while still giving back to the community that shaped him. Stewardship AwardBill Grantham (Middleway)  Bill Grantham’s lifelong dedication to preservation, stewardship, and community service has helped protect an important piece of West Virginia history. As a seventh-generation farmer and lifelong resident of Middleway, Bill Grantham has spent decades caring not only for the land, but for the historic places and stories that define his community. Inspired from a young age by his family’s appreciation for preservation, Bill became a dedicated caretaker of some of Middleway’s most treasured landmarks, including Grace Episcopal Church, Union Church, and their historic cemeteries. The historic Union Church (pictured here) is the oldest surviving church building in Middleway – founded in the 1700s — has stood through generations of change, serving as a place of worship, a Civil War infirmary, and a gathering place for the community. Thanks in large part to Bill’s leadership and persistence, the building has been carefully restored and preserved for future generations. When vandalism damaged the church grounds and historic grave markers, Bill immediately stepped forward to organize repairs and restoration efforts, always emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the site. He later helped bring cemetery preservation training to the community and personally worked to restore dozens of historic headstones alongside fellow volunteers. Bill’s stewardship also extends to honoring those whose names have been lost to time. After learning that unmarked graves likely existed near the church, he led efforts to conduct ground-penetrating radar surveys that identified dozens of previously unknown burial sites. Through his leadership, a memorial marker was placed to respectfully honor those buried there. What makes Bill especially deserving of this award is not only the work itself, but the humility and generosity with which he approaches it. He quietly offers his time, knowledge, labor, and encouragement whenever preservation projects arise in the community. Whether maintaining historic cemeteries, supporting restoration work, or helping local organizations find solutions and resources, Bill has become a trusted steward of Middleway’s history. Adaptive Reuse AwardThe Interwoven Mill Project, Legend Property Group (Martinsburg)  The rehabilitation of the Interwoven Mill Complex in Martinsburg stands as one of the most catalytic historic preservation projects in West Virginia today. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, Interwoven Mills was once home to one of the largest hosiery manufacturers in the world and served for decades as Martinsburg’s largest employer. For generations, this complex represented the economic heartbeat of the community. Today, thanks to the power of historic tax credits and an extraordinary redevelopment vision, these buildings have been given new life. More than 200,000 square feet of long-vacant industrial space has already been adaptively reused into 191 residential apartments, all of which filled shortly after opening. Additional housing units will be available soon, and the entire project, which includes community gathering spaces, a fitness center, pool, coworking areas, and future commercial spaces, will be completed in 2027. This project will ultimately bring hundreds of new residents and opportunities back into the heart of the city. PAWV toured the complex during the early days of the project. Walking through those vacant industrial spaces, you could begin to see the vision — but more importantly, you could see how historic tax credits could completely reshape a community’s future. Projects like Interwoven helped change people’s perception of what historic tax credits can accomplish and demonstrated why West Virginia’s 25% state historic tax credit is so important and deserving of permanent support. These projects do not happen without advocacy, partnerships, and persistence. As Mayor Kevin Blair said, “These projects are impossible without advocacy.” It takes developers willing to invest, community leaders willing to champion a vision, public officials willing to support preservation tools, and residents willing to believe in the future of their downtowns. Interwoven Mills reminds us that historic preservation is not just about saving buildings — it is about creating places where people can live, work, gather, and build community. Historic Tax Credit Award (Town)Stephenson Apartments, Mark Letenzi (Charles Town)  This award honors the impact of one person tackling an extensive rehabilitation of a long-abandoned building in a smaller community. PAWV was fortunate to tour during the early construction phase and is excited to recognize this shining example of what is possible when the historic rehabilitation tax credit is used creatively by a visionary like Mark Letenzi. For two decades, the former Stephenson Female Seminary and Charles Town Inn stood vacant. Now, it has a renewed purpose as 9 luxury apartments. Reflecting on the building’s powerful history - in the post-Civil War era, institutions like the Stephenson Seminary expanded educational opportunities for women—a significant and often overlooked chapter of our past. Mark’s decision to honor that history through the building’s thoughtful restoration and renaming demonstrates deep respect for its legacy and architectural beauty. His work ensures that this Greek Revival gem continues to serve Charles Town residents as it once did—full of purpose and dignity. Historic buildings are not easy to rehabilitate—they require care, investment, and patience. But they are also irreplaceable: they are full of character, meaning, and stories. The state and federal historic tax credits are not just incentives—they are catalysts for community impact. This project also earned an Honorable Mention from the NOVOGRADAC Journal of Tax Credits in 2024 for Residential Development that Best Exemplifies Major Community Impact. historic Tax Credit Award (City)The Prichard Hotel, Cornerstone Community Development (Huntington) The rehabilitation of the Prichard Hotel is more than a construction success story — it is a powerful example of how historic preservation can change lives and strengthen communities. What once stood as a vacant landmark in downtown Huntington has now been reborn as safe, affordable housing for seniors, while preserving an important piece of the city’s history for future generations. The Prichard Hotel was originally built in 1926 and was an iconic 300 room hotel until it closed in 1970. In 1970, the Property was converted to provide office space and apartments and ultimately fell into disrepair. In 2014, the Property was repurposed as a drug rehabilitation center but was forced to closed in 2015 and has been vacant since that time. This extraordinary project began nearly ten years ago as an idea shared by dedicated community leaders and partners who believed this historic building could serve a greater purpose once again. Today, that vision has become reality. With a total investment of more than $50 million, this project created over 500 local jobs and has become the largest historic tax credit project ever completed in West Virginia. Projects of this scale simply do not happen without strong community partnerships. The success of the Prichard is the result of collaboration of more than 20 partners (identified below), the Prichard now offers 108 apartment homes for residents age 62 and older. Just as importantly, this project provides wraparound services, healthcare resources, and commercial spaces designed to support seniors and improve quality of life. To successfully age in place, residents will receive supportive services such as in-home care assistance to help with Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s). The on-site housing Service Coordinator will partner with ACGI and other agencies such as the WVSU Metro Area Agency on Aging, the WV Aging and Disability Resource Network, and other local providers to assess, link and deliver services to residents. Other supportive services may include transportation, meals, mental health services, Telehealth Programs, benefits counseling and employment opportunities.  Rodney Collins Preservation Achievement AwardMeredith Kiger (Preston County) Meredith Kiger, and her late husband Vaughan, were recognized for two projects. The first is the careful restoration and maintenance of the historic law office of Waitman T. Willey (West Virginia’s first Senator) in downtown Morgantown. Constructed in 1865, the building stands as a lasting symbol of West Virginia statehood and the leadership that shaped our state during one of the most pivotal moments in its history. Currently, it is used as a pop-up antique shoppe, La Dolce Vintage. This commitment to preservation helps us to maintain connections to the people, traditions, and stories that define West Virginia while also creating new opportunities for businesses, residents, and more. Meredith’s commitment to preservation also extends to the stewardship of the A. W. Gribble Farm, also known as Deerwood Farm a rare and beautifully preserved mid-19th-century agricultural complex in rural Preston County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the farm is recognized for its distinctive Pennsylvania German architectural influences and remarkable integrity. Under Meredith’s care, the historic sandstone farmhouse, springhouse, pantry, barn, and surrounding landscape have been thoughtfully preserved while maintaining the character and craftsmanship that make the property so significant. Through her stewardship, Meredith has ensured that future generations will continue to experience and learn from these irreplaceable landmarks. Michael Gioulis Downtown Preservation AwarD Partner Community Capital (Charles Town)  Partner Community Capital (PCAP) is being recognized for its extraordinary commitment to downtown redevelopment, economic revitalization, and historic preservation across West Virginia. Through innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and a long-term belief in the power of community investment, PCAP has played a transformative role in helping preserve and redevelop some of the state’s most important historic properties. Time and again, PCAP has stepped forward to help make these projects possible. Their impact can be seen in major redevelopment efforts across the state, including projects such as the Prichard in Huntington and the Interwoven Mill redevelopment in Martinsburg. Through community development financing and technical support, PCAP has helped turn long-vacant historic landmarks into vibrant spaces where people can once again live, work, gather, and invest in their communities. Beyond individual projects, PCAP has become a statewide leader in community development through initiatives focused on economic resilience, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Through the Downtown Appalachia Redevelopment Initiative, in partnership with the Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University, PCAP provides loans and technical assistance to transform vacant and underutilized properties into housing and business hubs. Their work also supports renewable energy and sustainability projects, including clean energy businesses and initiatives such as the Bionic Tire Recycling facility in Preston County. Through the Recreational Economies Initiative, PCAP invests in tourism-related small businesses near trails, parks, and rivers, including projects like the Glen Ferris Inn redevelopment in Fayette County. Additional programs such as the Value Chain Cluster Initiative strengthen West Virginia’s local food systems and agricultural economy. As a Small Business Administration Microloan lender in West Virginia, PCAP also supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that may not fit traditional lending models. Through its Women’s Business Center, the organization provides business counseling, consulting, workshops, networking opportunities, and guidance for accessing capital and financial resources. Among PCAP’s most notable recent projects is the redevelopment of the historic Tygart Hotel in Elkins (pictured above). In 2022, PCAP closed its largest loan to date and its first New Markets Tax Credit leveraged loan — providing $2.2 million in construction financing as part of a $16 million redevelopment package. The project transformed the long-vacant six-story historic hotel into a boutique hotel and restaurant expected to create approximately 150 construction jobs and 55 permanent jobs while supporting tourism connected to the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding recreation areas. These projects are doing far more than restoring buildings. They are creating jobs, increasing housing opportunities, generating new economic activity, and reshaping how people view the future of West Virginia’s downtowns and historic communities. They also demonstrate the important role that historic tax credits, community development financing, and preservation-focused investment can play in strengthening local economies while protecting the state’s heritage. The organization’s leadership, including President and CEO Martin Jenkins and Board Chair Gat Caperton, continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to preservation-driven redevelopment and community investment throughout the Mountain State. Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement AwarD Martin Burke (Jefferson County)  This award was given posthumously to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable preservation leader, mentor, and public servant - Martin Burke. For decades, Martin Burke dedicated his life to protecting the places, landscapes, and stories that define our shared history. Through his leadership, expertise, and quiet determination, he helped shape preservation efforts not only in Jefferson County, but across the broader preservation community. From 2009 through 2025, Martin served on the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, including more than a decade as chair. During that time, he guided important preservation victories that safeguarded irreplaceable historic resources, including the River Road Cement Mill and Kilns, the Osborn Farm and Shepherdstown Battlefield landscape, and Duffield’s Train Depot (pictured above), recognized as the oldest extant passenger train station in the United States. Martin’s impact was strengthened by extraordinary professional expertise. Following his service in the United States Navy Reserve during the Vietnam era, he built a distinguished career in conservation and preservation. He served at the Smithsonian Institution conservation laboratory for 17 years before leading the conservation program at the National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center until his retirement. His influence extended nationally through his work with the American Institute for Conservation, where he served in several leadership roles, including president. But perhaps Martin’s greatest legacy was his ability to bring people together in service of preservation. Whether conserving landscapes through the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle or strengthening community institutions like the Contemporary American Theater Festival, Martin understood that preservation is ultimately about people, place, and shared stewardship. His work leaves a lasting imprint on Jefferson County and on all who had the privilege to work alongside him. Through his vision and dedication, future generations will continue to experience and learn from the historic places he helped protect. Betty “Snookie” Nutting Preservation Persistence AwardsEach year, the Alliance presents two Preservation Persistence Awards to recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary dedication to historic preservation. This year, the award is named 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. The Town of Romney for the State Barn (Romney)  The Town of Romney and local community advocates were recognized for their ongoing efforts to save and restore the historic Dairy Barn at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The award honors the extraordinary determination, advocacy, and community commitment demonstrated through the “Save the State Barn” initiative — a grassroots effort dedicated to preserving one of Romney’s most significant historic agricultural landmarks. Built in 1929, the Dairy Barn played an important role in the history of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The school farm once supplied much of the food needed by the institution while also serving as a hands-on educational facility where students learned animal husbandry, gardening, and advanced agricultural practices. Facing uncertainty and potential loss, community members rallied together to raise awareness about the barn’s historical and cultural significance. Through public outreach, preservation advocacy, and collaborative efforts, supporters helped secure a major milestone when the Dairy Barn was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Preservation Persistence Award recognizes not only the importance of the structure itself, but also the dedication of the people who refused to let an important part of Romney’s history disappear. The “Save the State Barn” initiative continues to focus on long-term stabilization, restoration, and future use planning for the historic structure. Morgan Arts Council for the MAC Ice House (Berkeley Springs)  This award goes to the amazing venue for the banquet - the Morgan Arts Council - for the extraordinary adaptive reuse of the historic MAC Ice House Community Art Center and Gallery. Nearly 30 years ago, a group of visionary community leaders saw possibility where others saw an aging industrial warehouse. In 1996, the Morgan Arts Council acquired the former Morgan County Cold Storage Company warehouse — a massive four-story structure that once stored millions of apples and served as a reminder of Berkeley Springs’ industrial past. Led by the vision of Jeanne Mozier, the dream was simple but ambitious: transform the building into “The Ice House: A Cool Place for Hot Art.”
What followed was not a quick renovation, but decades of persistence, creativity, and determination. Through leaking roofs, major structural issues, fundraising challenges, and complex rehabilitation projects, the Morgan Arts Council never gave up on the vision. Volunteers, artists, architects, donors, contractors, and community members all came together to save and reinvent this landmark building. Today, the Ice House stands not only as a preserved historic structure within the Town of Bath National Historic District, but as the heart of a thriving arts community. It is a gallery, performance venue, classroom, gathering space, and creative home for countless artists and residents. Since its founding, MAC has produced more than a thousand programs featuring nearly 2,500 artists and serving tens of thousands of people across the region. This project represents exactly what preservation persistence means. It demonstrates how historic buildings can be converted through patience, long-term vision, and unwavering community commitment. The continued evolution of the Ice House — from structural stabilization to ADA accessibility, fire suppression systems, and future performance spaces — shows that preservation is not a single accomplishment, but an ongoing act of stewardship. Comments are closed.
|
Get Involved |
Programs |
Contact UsPreservation Alliance of West Virginia
421 Davis Avenue, #4 | Elkins, WV 26241 Email: [email protected] Phone: 304-345-6005 |
© COPYRIGHT 2025 - PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF WEST VIRGINIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.