Preservation Dallas Special Recognition Awards Recognizes Heroes of Saving History

Each year Preservation Dallas presents awards for achievement to preservation projects and those involved in the Dallas historic preservation community. While the 2023 Preservation Achievement Awards focus on our historic buildings and residences, there are also Special Recognition awards presented to recognize individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the Dallas preservation community over the past year or the past several years.

“Historic preservation tends to focus on architecture, and understandably so; however, preservation is not just about buildings. It’s about culture and community. Many people are working behind the scenes in historic preservation. They may do uncommon jobs, lend knowledge to our efforts, or just put in a lot of sweat equity, and we want to recognize their contributions.”

Norman Alston, FAIA- Board President, Preservation Dallas

This year WFAA’s Jason Wheeler will be the emcee for the evening. The Special Recognition Awards will be presented alongside the 2023 Preservation Achievement Awards at Preservation Dallas’s 24th annual awards ceremony, held at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Wednesday evening, May 17th.

2023 Preservation Achievement Award Honorees

Dorothy Savage Award: Carol Roark

Carol Roark is the former manager of the Special Collections Division of the Dallas Public Library and chair of the Texas Historical Commission’s National Register State Board of Review. She is the author of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and Fort Worth Then & Now. The Dorothy Savage Award recognizes significant and ongoing contributions to the preservation of Dallas’ neighborhoods and urban core.

Craftsmanship Award: Eric Samuelsen

Eric Samuelsen started Samuelsen Refinishing in 1981, bringing renewed life to everything from antique furniture to pianos. The Craftsmanship Award recognizes an individual dedicated to a craft for preservation purposes.

Stewardship Award: Cheryl & Kevin Vogel for Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden

The Vogels continue the work of Kevin’s parents, who founded Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden in 1953 with a vision of showcasing regional and international artists together. That vision changed the cultural landscape of Dallas and created a global presence in the art world. The Stewardship Award recognizes long-term commitment to preserving a historic building or site.

Spirit of Preservation Award: Dr. George E. Keaton

The late Dr. George E. Keaton, Jr founded Remembering Black Dallas, preserving the stories of what he often referred to as the hidden history of Dallas. As a DISD educator and guidance counselor for over three decades, his legacy has inspired a new generation to ensure his work lives on. The Spirit of Preservation Award recognizes an individual who brings forth the Spirit of Preservation to inspire and lead others in our community. 2023 Reggie Small will accept the award on behalf of Dr. Keaton.

Gail Thomas Patterson Award: Mark Martinek, Jay Baker, and Katherine D. Seale

The Rosenfield House, a Queen Anne Victorian built for Max Rosenfeld in the mid-1880s and often referred to as The Blue House, was one of the first to be built in Dallas. It was saved from the wrecking ball, moved, and restored, and as they say, it took a village. Mark Martinek, Jay Baker, and Katherine D. Seale will all be honored with The Gail Thoma Patterson Award, which recognizes an outstanding restoration project done to exacting standards.

Preservation Education Award: Robert Wilonsky

Robert Wilonsky’s writing has informed, educated, and entertained us for decades, providing insight into historic issues and projects like the restoration of the Rosenfield House. The Preservation Education Award recognizes those who produce publications or media which help educate the general public about the value of historic preservation or the preservation of historic resources.

Volunteer Honor Award: Julie Travis

The true unsung heroes of preservation are those that put in the work. Volunteers are at the heart of every preservation effort. The work they do, while not glamorous, is essential. Travis has been a weekly volunteer for over a decade and instrumental in organizing the Preservation Dallas resource files making it easier for researchers and the public to find information. The Volunteer Honor Award recognizes a volunteer who has made exceptional contributions to assist Preservation Dallas

Preservation Advocacy Award: Preservation Dallas Education Committee for DISD Historic Schools Research Project

The Preservation Advocacy Award recognizes a specific advocacy project that advances the organization’s mission. There was no comprehensive current single source of documentation for historic schools of the DIS. Over the course of five years, 20 Preservation Dallas members volunteered to research 112 historic schools creating an invaluable resource for the community.

Historic Cornerstone Business Award: Texas Paint and Wallpaper

No one knows more about paint and wallpaper than this company. Celebrating their 75th anniversary Texas Paint and Wallpaper can match a paint chip from a turn-of-the-century house, tell you where that wallpaper scrap came from and advise you on what historic colors are appropriate for you Conservation or Historic District home. The Historic Cornerstone Business Award recognizes a business with a long-term connection of over 30 years to the Dallas community, with service to the construction and preservation communities.

How to Attend

Tickets for the 24th Preservation Dallas Awards ceremony are available on EventBrite; the link can be accessed at http://www.preservationdallas.org/2023-awards.