HISTORIC GRENVILLE HOTEL TO RECEIVE LEISA COLLINS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD
Original painting of Bay Head, New Jersey’s iconic Victorian landmark will be unveiled and launch a new collection celebrating the borough’s historic architecture
BAY HEAD, NJ — September 28, 2026 — The historic Grenville Hotel & Restaurant, affectionately known as the “Victorian Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” will be honored this Sunday with the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, recognizing the continued preservation and stewardship of one of Bay Head’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
Architectural Portrait Artist Leisa Collins will present the award to Grenville owners Harry and Maureen Typaldos during a special gathering at the hotel on Sunday, October 4, at 4:00 p.m.
As part of the presentation, Collins will unveil an original pen-and-watercolor painting she has created of the Grenville Hotel. The painting itself will serve as the preservation award and will be presented to the owners in recognition of their commitment to maintaining this treasured piece of Bay Head history.
The Grenville painting will also mark the beginning of a new collection of Collins’ architectural portraits devoted to Bay Head. While in the borough, Collins will begin work on additional paintings highlighting its historic homes, buildings and distinctive streetscapes. Through the collection, she hopes to shine a broader spotlight on Bay Head’s architectural heritage and its historic prominence not only within New Jersey, but as part of America’s architectural story.
“Bay Head has an extraordinary architectural identity that has been carefully preserved through generations,” said Collins. “The Grenville seemed the perfect place to begin this new collection. My goal is to capture some of the buildings and scenes that make Bay Head so special and, through my paintings, help bring greater attention to the importance of preserving them.”
Collins founded the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in 2013 as a way to recognize individuals and organizations throughout the United States who devote their time and resources to preserving historic buildings and protecting America’s architectural heritage. To date, she has presented 15 awards in communities across the country.
Collins visited Bay Head for the first time last July to tour the L. Ron Hubbard House on East Avenue and was impressed with it meticulous restoration. “During my visit, I made a point of seeing the Grenville Hotel—the “Victorian Jewel of the Jersey Shore”—and was immediately struck by its distinctive architecture, vibrant character, and wonderful presence in the community,” she said.
“Historic buildings are far more than beautiful structures. They tell the story of a community and connect us with the people and generations who came before us,” said Collins. “The Grenville is such an important part of the character of Bay Head, and I wanted to recognize Harry and Maureen for their stewardship of this wonderful landmark.”
The Grenville Hotel, located at 345 Main Avenue in Bay Head, is instantly recognizable for its colorful Victorian character and has long been an important part of the architectural identity of the borough. Bay Head itself is renowned for its remarkable collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.
Collins specializes in original portraits of homes and historic buildings and has created architectural paintings in all 50 states. Her work and travels are documented in her coffee-table book, Hand-Painted Homes: An Artist’s Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America. Her preservation award program grew naturally from her belief that the buildings she paints—and the stories behind them—deserve to be protected for future generations.
Members of the local media are warmly invited to attend the presentation, photograph the unveiling of the original Grenville painting, and speak with Collins and the hotel owners about the building, the new Bay Head collection, and the importance of preserving the borough’s architectural heritage.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Presentation of the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award and unveiling of an original painting of the Grenville Hotel
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 — 4:00 p.m.
Where: Grenville Hotel & Restaurant, 345 Main Avenue, Bay Head, NJ
Award Recipients: Harry and Maureen Typaldos
Presented by: Leisa Collins, Architectural Portrait Artist
MEDIA CONTACT
Leisa Collins
Architectural Portrait Artist
Website: leisacollins.com
703-598-7360
leisa@leisacollins.com
To learn more about the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Media representatives interested in attending, arranging an interview, or obtaining additional images and information are encouraged to contact Leisa Collins.
