34th Annual Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards Tributes
Preservation Project Awards
Recognizing 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:
· 120, 225 and 227 South Main Street, Harrodsburg
· Thomas Edison School Apartments, Covington
· Whiskey Row Lofts: Trademart Building and Hamilton Brothers Warehouse, Louisville
Service to Preservation Awards
Honoring those who have furthered historic preservation activities or have had a positive impact in their communities, including individuals, organizations, public officials, financial institutions, news media, and/or volunteers:
· The Cropper Family, South Portsmouth
· Alberta Moynahan, Danville
· “Historic Preservation: Saving Place” video, produced by the cities of Bellevue and Covington
Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award, presented to the individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the cause of historic preservation in the Commonwealth:
· Richard T. Jett, Louisville
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Preservation Project Award
120, 225 and 227 South Main Street, Harrodsburg
Recent projects by Tim Peters and Lois Mateus Peters in their hometown of Harrodsburg are a natural extension of the many, many other rehabilitation and preservation projects they have accomplished individually and together. Today, this award recognizes the exemplary work they have completed in Harrodsburg’s historic Main Street district, for buildings at 120, 225 and 227 South Main. Their commitment is sure to bring additional investment, and the quality of construction and preservation ethic expressed in their work sets a standard that will serve as a model for subsequent redevelopment.
The completion of ‘Next Door’ at 227 South Main – adjacent to their already successful Kentucky Fudge Company – allows for expansion of the restaurant to a 100-seat capacity. This new enhancement will likely have a profound impact on the district, raising the bar on preservation of the architecture as well as on the quality of downtown businesses.
This project successfully tackled several issues including multiple mixed-occupancy, party wall and fire separation, and licensing – all aptly managed, in the opinion of the Kentucky Heritage Council’s development team. Creative projects such as this in Main Street districts will continue to be necessary in order for them to compete economically with newly constructed, “destination retail” developments. Tim and Lois have proven themselves to be pioneers in this effort.
Their enthusiasm for preservation is also evident with the rehabilitation of Harrodsburg’s old pool hall at 120 South Main, and continues with a new project they are undertaking at the historic McBride House. They are active in the James Harrod Trust and Preservation Kentucky, and Tim was recently appointed to the local Architectural Review Board.
Through his construction company and her work in Louisville and Mercer County, both Tim and Lois have been responsible for saving many historic buildings in Metro Louisville and across the state. But, their heart is in Harrodsburg, where Lois grew up and which Tim has adopted. The Advocate-Messenger newspaper has taken notice as well, profiling them in an article with the headline: Harrodsburg’s Fixer-Uppers: Polished couple helping restore shine downtown
Today we are honoring them for putting their heart into their hometown, with an Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Project Award, presented to Tim Peters and Lois Mateus Peters.
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Preservation Project Award
Thomas Edison School Apartments, Covington
From the building’s opening in 1939 until its closing more than 70 years later, Thomas Edison Elementary School educated multiple generations of Covington families. Originally built as the Fourth District Elementary School by the Works Progress Administration, the school closed its doors for good in 2009, allowing AU Associates Inc. to step in and preserve this historic and functional historic resource, and prevent it from becoming a vacant neighborhood liability.
During rehabilitation, the original character of the building was preserved in both exterior and interior spaces. Exterior surfaces were gently cleaned and restored following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and interior corridors kept their rhythm by reusing existing door openings. It is not until you step into a former classroom that you realize the transformation the building has gone though – from an educational facility to 26 modern apartments.
Throughout, the school retains its original Art Deco details and charm, including stunning stainless steel railings and proscenium, a beautifully restored front entry with original terrazzo lobby and tray ceiling, and the refinished nursery tale floor mural in the former kindergarten room. The original classrooms have been carefully and expertly transformed into comfortable apartments including 14 one-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and 4 three-bedroom units.
Apartments feature high ceilings, abundant light, spacious closets, individually controlled thermostats, and fully equipped kitchens. Finishes and fixtures echo the Art Deco flare of the building, and all units are equipped with modern systems and amenities. What was once a basketball court is now the floor for several apartments, and what was once the school stage is now a community meeting space.
Thomas Edison School Apartments offer convenient, comfortable, and affordable living made possible through financing from the Kentucky Housing Corporation, U.S. Bank, the Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation and the city of Covington, and utilizing federal and state rehabilitation tax credits. Income restrictions apply for all apartments, which rent in the range of $450 to $650 per month.
In recognition of this commitment to beautifully preserve and rehabilitate this school to serve in a new capacity for future generations, this Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Project Award is presented for Thomas Edison School Apartments to Holly Weidemann and AU Associates Inc.
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Preservation Project Award
Whiskey Row Lofts: Trademart Building and Hamilton Brothers Warehouse, Louisville
For many reasons, it is difficult to estimate the true impact of this vanguard project along Louisville’s Whiskey Row. In fact, it is not an overstatement to credit rehabilitation of the Trademart Building and Hamilton Brothers Warehouse, into a mixed-use development known as Whiskey Row Lofts, as the reason the rest of the eastern portion of the block is now under redevelopment after a very public and contentious negotiation.
Whiskey Row Lofts was co-developed by a team led by Bill Weyland and siblings Valle and Stephen Jones. They set out on this historic renovation with the goal of creating a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use community with unique features, seldom found in downtown renovations. The building at 131 West Main Street has been in the Jones family since 1984. In 2008, the adjoining Burwinkle-Hendershot building was acquired, creating sufficient massing for a project that would retain most of the unique features of the buildings.
The development includes popular restaurants, live-work and office configurations, corporate entertainment and residential suites, apartments, and special event spaces. The design takes advantage of natural lighting and uses efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The construction process maximized the reuse and recycling of building materials and incorporated many other sustainable design elements, including re-purposing wooden joists from the building into interior stairs within units.
Steeped in Kentucky’s bourbon production heritage, and in close proximity to the newly developed Yum! Center, these buildings make a compelling argument of the value of stitching new and contemporary mixed uses into historic urban fabric.
Recently, the success of this project was conspicuous amid a public controversy as to whether seven remaining buildings along the block were viable for rehabilitation. Although the others had deteriorated significantly under private ownership, one had only to point to Whiskey Row Lofts as an example of what vision and strategic planning could accomplish. Fortunately, the city and private investors stepped in with a plan to save five of the seven remaining buildings.
In recognition of the rehabilitation of the Trademart Building and Hamilton Brothers Warehouse as Whiskey Row Lofts, this Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Project Award is presented to CITY Properties Group and Whiskey Row Owner LLC, represented by Bill Weyland, Valle Jones and Stephen Jones.
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Service to Preservation Award
The Cropper Family, South Portsmouth
This next award is unusual in that it does not honor an individual, organization or public or private entity. Instead, today we honor a multi-generational family who have served as extraordinary stewards of a farm on which their family has resided since the late 1700s.
The Cropper Family of South Portsmouth collectively represents the latest in a long line of preservationists. Mrs. Nita M. Cropper inherited their family farm and convictions about the importance of its preservation from her parents. She and her late husband, William, passed that conviction on to their three children: William Jr., Gail Swick, and most especially, Dwight. He is a professional archaeologist who works tirelessly to safeguard Kentucky’s prehistoric and early historic places. He was at the forefront of efforts to return Indian Head Rock to Kentucky and has lobbied ardently to oppose legislation that threatens to endanger archaeological sites.
Located in Greenup and Lewis counties on the banks of the Ohio River, the Forest Home Farm includes remains from an earthwork and other archaeological sites from multiple prehistoric and early historic periods. Structural features include a two-story, hand-hewn, post-and-beam farmhouse dating to the 1830s, and a family cemetery. Much of the farm’s archaeological resources are included in the Lower Shawneetown Archaeological District. Significant components represent more than 2000 years of occupation from about 200 B.C. through the transition to the early historic period, signaling the arrival of the first Europeans in the Ohio Valley.
The Cropper Family has provided a model for local preservation efforts, been passionate about advocating for Kentucky’s endangered historic resources, garnered widespread media attention for preservation issues, and taken every opportunity to educate students and others about preservation.
Forest Home has been recognized through the Kentucky Heritage Council’s Historic Farms Program, and several sites there are also registered as Kentucky Archaeological Landmarks. In addition, the Croppers were honored for their service to preservation in a House Resolution put forward by Kentucky State Representative Tanya Pullin during the most recent legislative session.
In recognition of the Cropper Family, for their commitment to preserve their farm and educate others about why doing so is so important, this Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Service to Preservation Award is presented to Nita Cropper, Dwight, William Jr. and Gail Swick.
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Service to Preservation Award
Alberta Moynahan, Danville
According to a nomination letter for this next award, quote, “It is hard to put into words how much a person can add to a place… When people think ‘McDowell House’ they think of Alberta, even if they don’t know her name.”
Alberta Moynahan grew up in Springfield, then spent much of her life in Ballard County working alongside her husband, James, who was the first wildlife biologist in the state. Together they helped preserve and restore Kentucky’s natural resources. Following his death, Mrs. Moynahan moved to Danville in 1980 and soon answered an ad looking for docents for the McDowell House Museum. She quickly became an indispensable part of its operation –
first as a docent, then a volunteer, then in 1992 as she neared the age of 70, Mrs. Moynahan became assistant director – a position she continues to hold today.
The McDowell House Museum is a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving the legacy and home of Dr. Ephraim McDowell and sharing the story of his life and accomplishments. In 1809, he performed surgery on Jane Todd Crawford to remove an ovarian tumor, without the use of anesthesia or antisepsis. It was the first successful surgery of its type, and it turned a death sentence into 32 more years of life for Mrs. Crawford.
Mrs. Moynahan is perhaps best known for telling Dr. McDowell’s story to school tours and being the resident family genealogist. But according to a letter supporting her nomination, she “has done anything and everything… She’s given numerous tours, cleaned, entertained, researched, fundraised, and made an impact on whatever she’s touched.”
In fact, 13 letters of support from community leaders were included in her nomination packet! One noted her dedication to constantly challenge herself to learn more about the history of the house and its contents. Another wrote, “It is as if Alberta had lived in that time period. She makes history come alive.”
Mrs. Moynahan has inspired thousands of schoolchildren and others with her passion for history and encouraged their interest in and exploration of historic buildings. In recognition of her continuing service and advocacy on behalf of the McDowell House, this Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Service to Preservation Award is presented to Mrs. Alberta Moynahan.
2012 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Preservation Awards
Service to Preservation Award
“Historic Preservation: Saving Place” video, produced by the cities of Bellevue and Covington
Disappointed in a lack of public awareness and a negative perception about historic preservation in their communities, preservation staff for the cities of Bellevue and Covington decided to collaborate on a public education project that could be disseminated to a broad Northern Kentucky audience. The goal was to educate residents, business owners and others about preservation’s proven economic and social benefits.
It was decided that the most effective way to communicate this message was to produce a short video, capitalizing on what educators have long recognized: That audio-visual mediums are powerful teaching tools. However, though videos are highly effective, developing one can be time-consuming and costly. To defray expenses, Bellevue preservation staff decided to take advantage of the annual Certified Local Government matching grant, submitting a successful application in 2010.
Determined to create a beneficial video on a shoestring budget, all worked together diligently – city staff, elected officials, local preservation commissioners and property owners – to find high-quality, economical alternatives. Local citizens also found a narrator, and they came up with one of the best, who agreed to donate his time: Long-time northern Kentucky television personality Nick Clooney.