The National Trust for Historic Preservation Presents Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy to Mrs. Laura W. Bush and Mr. John L. Nau, III
Posted October 15, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Nashville, Tenn. (October 15, 2009)—Today, former First Lady Laura W. Bush and John L. Nau, III, Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, received the prestigious John H. Chafee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for their leadership in developing and promoting the Preserve America program. The National Trust bestowed the award at its 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
In 2003, Mrs. Bush's expansive vision for the federal preservation program was instrumental in the creation of Preserve America, one of the most far-reaching preservation initiatives ever launched. The program has officially designated more than 700 Preserve America communities, established a $7.5 million grant program and convened a White House-sponsored summit in a sweeping effort to save our nation's heritage. As honorary chair of Preserve America, Mrs. Bush crisscrossed the country, publicly and personally reaffirming the importance of saving historic places.
The former longtime chairman of the Texas Historical Commission, John L. Nau, III, was appointed chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by President George W. Bush in 2001. Nau's leadership was essential to the implementation of Preserve America and, together with Mrs. Bush, Nau is credited with guiding the widespread and influential preservation initiative.
"Laura Bush and John Nau have given preservation broader visibility through their exemplary leadership and vision for historic preservation and Preserve America, one of the most extensive preservation initiatives ever." said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "These two leaders have earned our commendation for their passion for preservation and their inspiring leadership in putting together a nationwide program that empowers communities to preserve the places that matter to them."
The award presented to Mrs. Bush and John Nau is named in honor of John H. Chafee, former governor of Rhode Island, Secretary of the Navy and United States Senator. Chafee was a dedicated champion of preservation and contributed significantly to advancing public policy on preservation issues.
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.
To download high resolution images of this year's National Preservation Award winners, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press
The 2009 National Preservation Award Winners:
Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: Vincent J. Scully, New Haven, Conn.—Often called the most important interpreter of art and architecture of our time, Vincent Scully merits the national preservation movement's highest accolade for 61 years of inspiring generations of students and for his tireless commitment to historic preservation and architecture.
John H. Chafee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy: Laura W. Bush and John Nau, III, Houston, Tex.—Former First Lady Mrs. Laura W. Bush and John Nau, chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, spearheaded Preserve America, one of the most far-reaching preservation initiatives ever launched.
Peter H. Brink Award for Individual Achievement in Historic Preservation: Sandra Stokes, Baton Rouge, La.—Sandra Stokes has been an inspiring leader in the ongoing effort to protect Louisiana's cultural and architectural heritage. Since 2006, her laser-like focus has been directed on New Orleans' Charity Hospital, an Art Deco icon and neighborhood anchor closed since Hurricane Katrina and threatened with demolition.
Trustees' Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites: Historic Rugby, Rugby, Tenn.—Founded in 1880, Rugby, Tenn. was envisioned as a class-free, agrarian community. Today, the Victorian village is flourishing thanks to the nonprofit group, Historic Rugby.
Trustees' Award for Organizational Excellence: Garden Conservancy, Cold Spring, N.Y.—The nation's first nonprofit group dedicated to preserving exceptional gardens, the Garden Conservancy has had a tremendous impact on the way Americans appreciate and preserve historic landscapes.
National Trust/HUD Secretary's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation: Fairbanks Flats, Beloit, Wisc.—Fairbanks Flats was constructed in 1917 as company housing for African-American machinists. After years of deterioration, the complex was painstakingly rehabilitated and today is once again a community anchor.
National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation: Federal Transit Administration, Lower Manhattan Recovery Office, New York, N.Y.—In 2006, the Vesey Street Staircase was named one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Today—just three years later—the National Trust honored the Federal Transit Administration for its role in saving both the staircase and other evocative links with 9/11.
National Trust Board of Advisors' Award: Gates of Ballston, Arlington, Va.—After decades of heavy use, this 464-unit Colonial Revival-style housing complex was in decay. Arlington County joined forces with a nonprofit developer to give The Gates a long-overdue makeover and help meet the community's need for affordable housing.
The 2009 National Preservation Honor Award Winners:
Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, Pa.—In the Allegheny mountains of south central Pa., this famed resort that once served as the summer White House of President James Buchanan sparkles again after a meticulous $120 million renovation.
Meier & Frank Department Store Building, Portland, Ore.—The Meier & Frank department store was a beloved community landmark for nearly a century before it fell into disrepair. The Portland Development Commission led a visionary effort to turn the once faded terra cotta palace into a luxury hotel and department store.
Charleston Preservation Plan, Charleston, S.C.—After decades of zealously preserving the Holy City's treasure trove of architectural wonders, the Historic Charleston Foundation has partnered with the City to adopt a groundbreaking plan that provides Charleston with a strong preservation-based roadmap for its future.
Plaza Theatre, El Paso, Tex.—When it opened in 1930, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style Plaza Theatre was a showstopper. After years of decline and the threat of demolition, the Plaza has been meticulously renovated thanks to an innovative partnership between the El Paso Community Foundation and the City.
Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.—Memorial Hall, one of just two buildings remaining from the Centennial Exposition of 1876, was transformed into a luminous new home for Please Touch Museum, an award-winning learning center for children.
Southworth Mansion, Cleveland, Ohio—When prominent businessman William Palmer Southworth constructed his lavish Italianate mansion in 1879, he spared no expense. Nearly 130 years later when Laborers Union Local 860 lovingly returned the building to its original splendor, history repeated itself.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Okla., Mont., Wyo. and Colo.—In the 1860s, U.S. military troops attacked peaceful encampments of Cheyenne and Arapaho. More than 140 years after the carnage, both battlegrounds are National Historic Sites thanks in large measure to tribe members who would not let their history be forgotten.
The Danish School, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.—The Caribbean island of St. Croix's rich and culturally diverse history is proudly displayed in the Danish School, built in 1799. Poorly renovated over the years and nearly destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, the building has now been gloriously restored.
Gutierrez-Hubbell House, Bernalillo County, N.M.—The 1840s-era Gutierrez-Hubbell House served for 150 years as the home of James and Juliana Gutierrez-Hubbell and their descendants. When it was threatened by inappropriate development, local residents and county officials came together to restore the home for use as a museum.
John Latschar, Gettysburg, Pa.—As superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, John Latschar leads the ongoing effort to preserve and interpret one of America's best-known historic sites.
Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Mich.—When it opened in 1924, Detroit's Book Cadillac Hotel was, at 33 stories, the tallest hotel in the world. Closed for more than two decades, the hotel has been lavishly reborn after a 3-year, $180 million renovation.
Fox Oakland Theater, Oakland, Calif.—When the Fox Theater first opened in 1928 was considered one of the finest movie palaces ever built. Closed in 1973 and facing demolition, it has risen from the ashes and is now home to a state-of-the-art performing arts center.
Fort Piqua Plaza, Piqua, Ohio—Though it had once welcomed famous guests such as Harry Houdini, Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft, the Fort Piqua Hotel stood vacant for decades—until the City of Piqua created a nonprofit development corporation to transform the faded landmark into a bright new home for the local library.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans, New Orleans, La.—In just four years since Hurricane Katrina, the determined band of volunteers and staff members who comprise this nonprofit community group has rebuilt 159 properties and returned 314 senior citizens to their homes.
Cavallo Point Lodge at Golden Gate, San Francisco, Calif.—Established in 1866, Fort Baker sits in the Marin Headlands. After the base closed in 2002, Fort Baker became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and now, following a $100 million renovation, is home to a stunning new lodge.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
