Category: Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award

To be presented to Historic Preservation Hero James Blackburne James is an architect whose passion is to see members of the community engaged in architectural preservation on all levels. A Gisborne native, he is the President of Historic Places Aotearoa Inc. and is the Chairman of Historic Places Tairawhiti Inc. and Tairawhiti Heritage Trust.  He is a strong advocate for the protection and restoration of heritage buildings and has taken a leading role in a number of stellar preservation projects such as the Acton Estate, St Mary’s and Toko Toru Tapa Churches.  He is currently working on restoring, the former Plunket Building in Gisborne, as well as the historic Potatu, which is a family heritage project. The award is an original painting of one of the restored projects which will…

Portrait of a home  - from decayed abandonment to a brand  new life! My 10th award goes to . . .  Ray Simon and Mel Pashea of St. Louis for their stellar actions to save and fully restore two pre-Civil War cottages that had been abandoned for over a decade. [caption id="attachment_8255" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The unveiling of the St. Louis Award painting[/caption] Ray Simon, an architect and noted rehabber in Benton Park, had the vision to rescue the two crumbling relics on Missouri Ave. Together with partner Mel, they transformed the fading structures into what is often described as one of the coolest properties in the neighborhood. I was honored to have St Louis Ninth Ward Alderman Dan Guenther speak to the gathering of friends and neighbors and relate stories…

It's a family affair. . . Friends and family gathered at the cafe for this award presentation.  My awardees were the three co-owners of the popular Busters Ice-cream and Coffee in South Pasadena, Renee and Colette Richards and Monica Barry. On hand were Mayor Robert Joe and members of the extended Richards family, including matriarch Clara Richards and  the son of co-owner Monica Barry, Amedee Barry, whose nick-name Buster inspired the cafe's name. This award, an original painting of Buster's corner,  is my seventh award and the second that I have presented in California.  I instituted the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award two years ago in order to give back to dedicated home owners and citizens who have set a stellar example of historic preservation through their efforts, skills or craftsmanship with regard…

Oldest Remaining Carriage Barn Starts a New Life! The President of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group,  (MOHPG) Jim Wigton, says it best in his article in the group's July newsletter The Preservation Conversation... "Old, yes. Finished, no. Monrovia's oldest remaining carriage barn, on the verge of extinction two years ago, has been given a new lease on life..." [caption id="attachment_6158" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A "before" painting of the barn by Monrovia artist Elaine Smith shows its dangerous structural leanings.[/caption] The new life for the barn came  into being thanks to the efforts of Monrovia resident Tracey Tempel, the MOHPG, 29 donors who helped finance the moving of the barn and MOHPG member, Jimi Hendrix. With the help of his crew, Jimi found a new home for the barn -- thanks to…