2011 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards

Ida Lee Willis Memorial Preservation Awards are presented each May, in observance of National Historic Preservation Month, and recognize those who have demonstrated an understanding of and an appreciation for the value of preserving and reusing Kentucky’s historic and prehistoric resources, whether through the restoration of an important structure or community resource or through a lifetime commitment to encouraging and promoting historic preservation.  The awards are named for the late Ida Lee Willis, who was appointed first executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Commission (now the Kentucky Heritage Council) in 1966.

Preservation Project Awards recognize outstanding examples of restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings, or other types of projects that have had a positive impact on Kentucky’s built environment.  2011 winners were:

• Eastside Revitalization Project, Covington, spearheaded by The Model Group, in recognition of its partnership with the city to take on a major revitalization effort of more than 70 abandoned and neglected buildings and rehabilitating nearly 40 of these to date, with the goal of transforming vacant historic buildings into updated, affordable housing while preserving their historic fabric.
• Louisville Water Company Pump Station 1 and owner Louisville Water Company, for its commitment to complete a full exterior restoration of the Greek Revival-style pump station utilizing historic drawings and original materials and methods, with the goal to minimize maintenance, stay true to the historic nature of the building and extend the life of this iconic structure.
• West-Metcalfe House, Mill Springs Battlefield, Wayne County, and the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, in recognition of its commitment to preserve and painstakingly restore the first brick house in the Wayne County region, which tells the story of local families and served as a Civil War hospital but which in recent years had literally begun crumbling from decades of decay and neglect.
  

Service to Preservation Awards honor those who have furthered historic preservation activities or had a positive impact in their communities, including individuals, organizations, public officials, financial institutions, news media, and/or volunteers.  2011 winners were:

• The Landmark Association of Bowling Green and Warren County, for 35 years of dedication to preserving the historic fabric of the community of Bowling Green and all of Warren County, through diverse efforts including advocacy, education, fundraising, cultural heritage interpretation and hands-on training.
• Lynda Closson, Stanford, for her many years of leadership and commitment to preserving and rehabilitating historic Duncan Tavern and other community preservation projects.
• Donna Horn-Taylor, Laurel County; and Julie Nelson Harris, editor, Tara Kaprowy and Nita Johnson, reporters, London Sentinel Echo, in recognition of their efforts to save and preserve the historic Pennington House in downtown London – despite its eventual demolition – and in the process raising awareness and educating the community about why the preservation of historic buildings is important to quality of life, community pride and economic development.