In honor of Mays National Preservation Month, the Landmarks Preservation Commission has released the 2006 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award recipients. This award recognizes the preservation efforts of Tacoma’s preservation leaders, grassroots efforts and stewards of historic properties. The awards will be presented at the City Council meeting on June 13.
The recipients include:
— Michael Sullivan for career achievement and dedication to preservation in Tacoma. Over the course of his career, including with the City of Tacoma as Historic Preservation Officer and as principal of the consulting firm Artifacts, Sullivan has guided some of Tacomas most spectacular preservation projects to fruition. Sullivans career accomplishments include serving as conservator for the State Capitol Campus in Olympia, past president and current board member of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and working with the cities of Bellingham and Yakima.
— The Tacoma School District for the renovation of Stadium High School. A challenging project involving one of Tacomas most important architectural landmarks, the school district demonstrated its ongoing commitment to its historic facilities with the renovation of the main Stadium High School building.
The Gary Milgard Family Foundation and BOE Architects for the addition to the Teamsters/Chauffers Hall at 1701 Commerce. This renovation is an excellent example of using design guidelines to upgrade a building to a modern use, while preserving the character of the historic district.
— Geoff Corso and Marshall McClintock for their work with Rhodes House. The owners of the Rhodes House in the North Slope Historic District have completed a spectacular rehabilitation of this historic home. A frequent stop on the Historical Societys Tour of Grand Homes, the Rhodes House is serves a symbol of Tacomas commitment to its heritage and of stewardship of its historic grand residences.
— Emery Chang for his work to save the First Swedish Baptist Church at 1201 S. J St. This is an outstanding example of individual achievement in historic preservation. Nearly lost, the church was on the brink of demolition before it was purchased and stabilized by Chang. Once complete, it will serve as the home for the non-profit MLK Ballet.
