In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Landmarks Inc., Restoration Exchange Omaha (REO) and the Nebraska chapter of the American Institute of Architects are reviving Landmarks’ Preservation Awards program.
Saving Places, A Preservation Celebration will honor outstanding residential and commercial restorations plus recognize the individuals and craftsmen who are making preservation happen in Omaha and the surrounding communities. Five awards will be presented at the May 14 celebration at the Scottish Rite cathedral. You can obtain a nomination form by clicking here. Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by April 1.
The Kimball Prize is the highest honor REO may bestow on an individual and is awarded in recognition of the most distinguished achievement in preservation, rehabilitation, and renovation of buildings and sites in Omaha and the surrounding communities. The award is named in honor of master architect Thomas Rogers Kimball, who designed St. Cecilia Cathedral and the Burlington Station, among other local buildings.
The AIA (American Institute of Architects) Omaha Preservation Award recognizes excellence in preservation, rehabilitation, or renovation of any eligible property. The project must be submitted by an AIA Nebraska member and must meet the National Park Service Secretary of Interiors Standards for Historic Preservation. Projects must be located in Nebraska or Iowa.
The Home Preservation Award recognizes excellence in preservation, rehabilitation, or renovation of a single-family home, while the Building Preservation Award recognizes excellence in a commercial or multi-family property. Projects must be located in one of the following counties: Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Cass, or Dodge in Nebraska; Pottawattamie in Iowa.
The Young Preservationist Award is offered in recognition of achievement in preservation, rehabilitation, and renovation of buildings and sites in Omaha and the surrounding communities for a person under the age of 35.
Nomination forms are located on the REO website (www.restorationexchange.org) under the “Invigorate” menu. Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by April 1.
Mark Maser, Karen Sundell, and Kate Grabill are co-chairing the celebration May 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the historic Scottish Rite. The event will feature drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres, visuals of Omaha’s significant preservation projects over the past 50 years, silent auction items made by local craftsmen, a fast-moving video awards ceremony and desserts and conversation to end the evening. A Patron Party will take place beforehand at another Omaha landmark, Kutak Rock.
Tickets are $100, with REO members and those under age 35 receiving a discount of $25. Patron party tickets are $150, and corporate sponsorships are available. Proceeds from the event will benefit Restoration Exchange Omaha and its ongoing work of educating and motivating Omaha to breathe life back into our city’s historic homes, buildings and neighborhoods.
REO was formed in 2013 from the merger of three existing organizations: Landmarks Inc., Restore Omaha, and Omaha Urban Neighborhoods.