Ithaca, NY – On September 19th, Historic Ithaca hosted its annual Preservation Awards, celebrating the achievements in historic preservation and recognizing the community members and organizations who have contributed to the preservation of Ithaca’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The event, held at Argos Warehouse, showcased the importance of preserving our community's historic buildings and fostering a sustainable future. This year’s awards highlighted projects that embodied the values of rehabilitation, community engagement, and sustainability.
2024’s Awardees
404 North Cayuga St. - A commendation in historic preservation was presented to Whitham Design, Jeanne Boodley-Buchanan Design, Latipac, and Taitem Engineering, for their work at 404 North Cayuga Street. This c. 1870 Italianate house, previously a doctor's office, was transformed through a thoughtful interior rehabilitation that honors its historic charm while adapting it for modern use as Whitham Design’s new offices.
120 East Buffalo St. - A commendation was presented to Boardman House LLC, Crawford & Stearns Architects, and Lupini Construction for their fantastic work repairing the porch and steps of the iconic Boardman House at 120 East Buffalo Street, one of the gems of DeWitt Park!
The Dean - A commendation in stewardship was presented to Travis Hyde Properties, STREAM Collaborative, Kyi Gyaw Interiors, and their team for the incredible adaptive reuse of the former Gateway Plaza office building into The Dean, a 46-unit luxury apartment building.
Greycourt Apartments at 108 - 110 Eddy St. - An award of merit in historic preservation was presented to Foundation Housing, Talis Historic Restoration, Serviente Glass Studio, and EDR for their outstanding rehabilitation of 108-110 Eddy Street. This five-story apartment building, designed by renowned local architect William Henry Miller in 1908, has been beautifully rehabilitated while keeping its historic charm intact and providing apartment rentals in Collegetown.
Julee Johnson is the 2024 Joseph O. Ciaschi Preservation Excellence Award Winner!
Julee has been a pillar in Ithaca’s preservation community for decades, working with organizations like Historic Ithaca, the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), and Friends of the Ithaca City Cemetery. Her dedication to preservation issues is as strong as her commitment to serving the community, making her an inspiration for all who care about preserving the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
In accepting the award, Julee was recognized for her tireless efforts, including her work as Executive Director of the Southern Hills Preservation Corporation, a nonprofit providing affordable housing. She also continues to serve as Chair of the Significant Elements/Work Preserve committee and her enduring dedication to the Friends of Ithaca City Cemetery helped it become one of Historic Ithaca's most popular programs.
At the heart of Historic Ithaca's mission is the belief that preserving our built environment goes hand in hand with sustainability. By rehabilitating old buildings, we reduce waste and conserve resources, offering a green alternative to demolition. The preservation awards honored projects that have embraced these values, ensuring that Ithaca's unique heritage remains a vital part of its future.
Historic Ithaca continues to be a cornerstone of preservation in the region, and the Preservation Awards serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to protect and celebrate their history. The organization's work, supported by generous donors, partners, and volunteers, ensures that the rich heritage of Ithaca is preserved for future generations.
For more information on Historic Ithaca’s preservation efforts or to get involved, visit www.historicithaca.org.
The evening was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including Chemung Canal Trust and Avi Smith, owner of Argos Warehouse. We are also grateful to our key grantors: the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Park Foundation, City of Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and the Legacy Foundation. Their contributions allow us to continue offering vital services to the community, ranging from technical preservation assistance to educational programs.
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