14Jul 2015 by Leisa
My Historic Preservation Award goes to Buster’s Cafe in South Pasadena!

My Historic Preservation Award goes to Buster’s Cafe in South Pasadena!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
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…
Read More
06Jul 2015 by Leisa
My latest Historic Preservation Award — Carriage Barn in Monrovia, CA

My latest Historic Preservation Award — Carriage Barn in Monrovia, CA

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
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…
Read More
19Jun 2015 by Leisa
Historic Award Presentation coming up…..

Historic Award Presentation coming up…..

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
And the award goes to . . .    BUSTER'S ICE CREAM & COFFEE STOP IN SOUTH PASADENA! [caption id="attachment_6141" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For the last 27 years Buster's has been a center point of the So Pasadena community[/caption]   YOU ARE INVITED! to an award presentation to the owners of B u s t e r ’ s C a f e for their historic preservation and restoration efforts that help keep So. Pasadena so special! They will receive an original painting of Buster’s by artist Leisa Collins DATE: Tuesday, June 23 TIME: 7:00 p.m. WHERE: BUSTERS!  (Buster's address is 1006 Mission St, So Pas) Everyone Welcome - Light Refreshments Hope to see you there! Leisa    
Read More
17May 2015 by Leisa
My latest Historic Preservation Award – San Marino, CA!

My latest Historic Preservation Award – San Marino, CA!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Historic Preservation is alive and well in San Marino   . . .   And the award goes to homeowners Joelle and Ben Grossi! Joined by the President of San Marino Heritage, San Marino Mayor Eugene Sun and Councilman Richard Ward, I had the honor of presenting my award of an original painting to Joelle Grossi in a ceremony held outside her home. [caption id="attachment_6057" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Left to right: Shirley Jagels of San Marino Heritage, myself, Sophia Grossi (below), awardee Joelle Grossi, San Marino Councilman Richard Ward and Mayor Eugene Sun[/caption] Tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street in San Marino is a charming 1928 Spanish home that was lovingly restored back to and beyond it's original splendor.  As can be seen here, this was not the case just less…
Read More
16Apr 2015 by Leisa
Presentation to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group

Presentation to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Giving a talk about my Historic Preservation Award  Last weekend I was asked by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (MOHPG)  to give a presentation to their members about the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award.  And here I am in action!           Monrovia is a quaint mountain city on the north-east outskirts of Los Angeles that by in large has held to their integrity and refuses to allow their rich architectural history to be destroyed and replaced by enlarged and unattractive structures that give the impression that the "mother ship" has landed! Much of the thanks for this trend goes to MOHPG which is a very organized and on-the-ball historic society. In June I am giving my Historic Preservation Award to a Monrovia resident, Tracey Tempel, who…
Read More
01May 2013 by Leisa
USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fifth Award Presentation in New Mexico

USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fifth Award Presentation in New Mexico

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Historic Native American Adobe Village -- the Oldest Inhabited Community in North America! As we entered the state of  New Mexico this sign welcomed us, and "Land of Enchantment" describes it perfectly! [caption id="attachment_3383" align="aligncenter" width="450"] The sign as we crossed the border into New Mexico[/caption] Before I tell you about the fascinating place that is the subject of my award painting,  here are some views of the New Mexico landscape. [caption id="attachment_3384" align="aligncenter" width="450"] On the road in The Land of Enchantment[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3385" align="aligncenter" width="450"] The ruins of a historic Adobe Building in New Mexico[/caption] One tends to associate historic preservation with old historic buildings in architectural styles such as Federal, Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman etc, but long, long before any of these buildings broke ground, the Acoma Pueblo…
Read More
26Apr 2013 by Leisa
USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fourth Award Presentation and Restored Craftsman

USA Historic Preservation Tour – Fourth Award Presentation and Restored Craftsman

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Old Craftsman Home Restored in Independence, Missouri Retiring from a career in management with a large regional insurance company, my next awardee Diane Rueter took on a full time project when she purchased a dilapidated Craftsman home on Delaware Avenue in Independence, Missouri. Here is the “BEFORE” photo. This is what is looked like when Diane purchased it. [caption id="attachment_3333" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Old Craftsman Home in Independence, MO, prior to renovation[/caption]  It was a far cry from when it was originally built in 1915 for the Houchen's family by a well known local architect, Clifton B. Sloan. It was featured in this 1917 issue of American Builder, which describes the building as “well balanced and attractive”. [caption id="attachment_3334" align="aligncenter" width="328"] Article in "American Builder" from 1917 re Craftsman in Independence,…
Read More
25Apr 2013 by Leisa

USA Historic Preservation Tour – Third Award Presentation

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Historic Preservation Recipient Zell Millard I was joined by the Mayor of Woodbine, Bill Hutcheson, and 30 local well-wishers for the presentation which was co-hosted by Woodbine Main Street. The award recipient, Zell Millard has held the moniker of “Mr. Woodbine,” for more than 60 years. Some years back, when an old country school house was slated to be razed, Zell went to work, found a new home for it, and organized the moving event. The Merry Brook School & Genealogical Center now anchors the south edge of a collection of buildings representative of Woodbine’s small town history: the Woodbine Depot, a 1928 canopy gas station, an outdoor amphitheater, an interpretive gazebo featuring Lincoln Highway history and one of the few remaining CNW Cabooses…all residing in the newly named Zell…
Read More
13Apr 2013 by Leisa
My First Historic Preservation Award Presentation

My First Historic Preservation Award Presentation

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
And the Award Goes to Dave Muylle of Lansing, Michigan! Chilly weather conditions and even snow, could not dampen the enthusiasm regarding historic preservation from the Lansing community on this day!  Around 80 people attended, enjoying the presentation, refreshments and then touring through Dave's restored homes at 139 and 141 Leslie Street to see for themselves Dave's fine craftsmanship.  Many stayed at length to chat and enjoy the comradery of fellow supporters of old home restoration. My award to Dave was a framed and plaqued painting of 139 and 141 Leslie Street, two of the Craftsman homes Dave has completed within the last year. Here it is! I would like to thank Lansing Council President, Carol Wood and 1st Ward Councilmember, Jody Washington who joined me in honoring Dave as…
Read More
23Mar 2013 by Leisa
Announcing the First Recipient of my Historic Preservation Award!

Announcing the First Recipient of my Historic Preservation Award!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Lansing craftsman brings old homes back to life! I believe that beautiful old buildings, with true craftsmanship should be preserved and maintained so that they can continue to serve an example of what QUALITY architectural design and construction is all about.  In my opinion, such homes and buildings are art forms -- that's what inspires me to paint them. The award is my way of recognizing individuals who have been instrumental in preserving the historic buildings of their area.  Naturally the award I present is a framed pen and watercolor painting of the awardees latest historic project. The first recipient of my Historic Preservation Award therefore will go to Dave Muylle, a person who epitomizes true craftsmanship and quality restoration. Being that I am in Lansing currently with it being the…
Read More