ANNUAL PRESERVATION AWARDS

Since 1976, Memphis Heritage has honored noteworthy preservation projects and pioneers in Memphis and Shelby County. Eligible projects are those which have been completed within the past five years, should be located within Shelby County, and should involve historic resources that are at least 50 years old. The Nominees and Award Winners are honored at the Annual Award Event each September. Recognition is given to the most noteworthy project or individual in the categories listed below.
Memphian's preservation efforts are gaining in numbers and recognition as evidenced in, "Rehabilitating Our Historic Sensibilities", an address recently delivered by a noted authority in preservation and restoration education.

The Paul Gruenberg Commercial Rehabilitation Award: This award recognizes the adaptive re-use of a historic building, the new use being a major change from the previous use of the building. Given since 1976, the award honors the late Paul Gruenburg, whose Advance Rubber Stamp Company and residence on Madison Avenue, restored in 1945, is considered the first adaptive re-use project in Memphis.

The Anona Stoner Landscape Preservation Award: Established in 1983, this award honors individuals or projects which demonstrate creativity, integrity and perseverance in the preservation or enhancement of the natural environment within an urban context. A major criterion is the level of impact that the project brings to its surrounding area. The award is named for the late Mrs. Anona Stoner, a major figure in the Citizens to Preserve Overton Park, Inc., the organization which led the way in the preservation of Overton Park from interstate highway construction.

President's Award: This award honors the best new residential structure constructed in a Memphis historic district. The district may be Memphis Landmarks Commission or National Register designated. Construction must have commenced and have been substantially completed within the last year.

A. W. Willis Award: Created in 1988, this award is for leadership in service of a project which benefits citizens of the community at large through the enhancement of historic amenities. This award is named for a prominent African-American businessman who owned several historic properties in Memphis.

The Kay B. Newman Award: Given since 1985 in honor of a former Memphis Heritage President, this award honors an individual or a group of volunteers in the preservation field who demonstrate professionalism, commitment, integrity and a high level of attainment.

Preservation Planning Award: Since 1993, Memphis Heritage has recognized outstanding efforts to foster historic preservation activities through the use of the urban planning process. The award recognizes individual projects as well as community-wide efforts.