PHW celebrated the best in recent local historic preservation projects at its 60th annual meeting on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Newly-elected board president Ben Ford honored several people and properties at the gathering held at Winchester Brew Works.
“We want to show our appreciation for those who are working hard to improve the historic charm of Winchester and Frederick County,” said Ford, who is a Frederick County native and Winchester resident. “PHW’s mission is to encourage the people of Winchester to maintain and improve the historic architecture of our community through a program of education and support.”
Kyle Hopkins, owner of Four Square Architects, was honored with two awards. Hopkins received the Lucille Lozier Award for the renovation work done on his firm’s office building at 39 E. Piccadilly St. Hopkins also received an award of merit for his firm’s adaptive renovation of the new Paladin Restaurant building at 31 E. Piccadilly St.
The Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award for outstanding renovation of a Jennings Revolving Fund Property was awarded to The Adams Companies for its work on 311 S. Loudoun St. which had sustained damage due to a fire. Richard Bell accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Jennings Revolving Fund properties include dozens of historic buildings that PHW has purchased and resold with added protective covenants throughout the years. Built in 1790 by renowned gunsmith Simon Lauck, 311 S. Loudoun St. is the first property that was purchased by PHW.
Tim Youmans was honored with the Carroll H. Henkle Award for outstanding leadership in the field of preservation. Youmans is author of “Streets and Alleys of Winchester, Virginia” and is retiring as the planning director for the City of Winchester.
Steve Resan, a local interpreter who is known for his first-person portrayal of Col. James Wood, founder of Winchester, was honored with the Ben Belchic Award for significant contribution to understanding Winchester’s history.
Bruce and Donna Downing were honored with the Elsie M. Rosenberger Award for volunteers who selflessly contribute to the activities of the PHW. Ford thanked the couple on behalf of PHW, saying, “Their contributions to our organization over the years have been continuous and outstanding. Bruce has been a former president of the organization and Donna’s continued contributions have been among the best the organization has known.”
PHW’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mary Scully Riley.
Board secretary Anne Scully made the presentation, announcing that this particular award has been renamed “The Mary Scully Riley Lifetime Achievement Award.”
“PHW has been through a lot in the last several years,” said Anne Scully. “Keeping things going through the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the Bosley scholarship, the implementation of the micro grant program, a new executive director, and board members coming and going. During this time and for many years before it, there has been one constant at PHW. That constant is Mary Scully Riley. Mary has quietly given her time and considerable effort not just to keep PHW going, but to make it better. Her dedication is second to none, and that’s why we feel so strongly about honoring her work.”
Awards of Merit for houses or buildings whose renovations contribute to improving the character of their neighborhoods and maintaining the overall historic fabric of the city went to several people.
Albert Andersen, owner of Greenway Welding and Fabrication, was honored for his meticulous restoration work on the entryway and lighting at 445 Fairmont Ave..
Other awards of merit included Nerangis Properties, honored for the recent renovation of 439 S. Braddock St., and The Pifer Companies, honored for its renovation and reuse of the Gaunt Drug Store building at 1 W. Gerrard St..
PHW also held elections for board members. In addition to Ford being elected president for 2024, Anne Walker Schroth is vice president, Anne Scully is secretary, Mary Scully Riley is treasurer and Ted Kalbach is assistant treasurer. Board members include Vivi Meder, Bobby Light, Keven Walker and Tim Youmans.
PHW’s recently-hired executive director, Wendy Kedzierski, invites others who are dedicated to preserving the history and architecture of Winchester to become members of the organization.
“Winchester is a treasure trove of historic architecture reminding us that we are the oldest city in the Commonwealth west of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Kedzierski. “But we’ve also lost some amazing landmarks. PHW was formed in 1964 to preserve and protect what remains of the rich historic fabric of our region.”
