2021 Preservation Awards

Henry Louis Mencken House and Museum

Baltimore, Maryland

For the exemplary restoration and rehabilitation of H.L. Mencken’s long-time residence and the establishment of a corresponding interpretive center.

The row house, built ca. 1880 was the childhood home and long-time residence of the noted (and controversial) essayist and journalist. The restoration of the long-vacant building involved extensive structural, exterior and interior repair and the creation of a study center.

The Cleveland Athletic Club/Athlon Apartments

Cleveland, Ohio

For the thoroughgoing restoration and adaptive reuse of a landmark club facility, contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area.

Substantial structural exterior and interior repair, exterior terra cotta repair/replacement were necessary following decades of neglect. A luxury apartment development, “The Athlon Apartments,” was a feature of the adaptive reuse. Major historic interior public spaces were painstakingly repaired or recreated. Sandvick Architects, Cleveland were responsible for the project.

First Congregational Church

Long Beach, California

For the exacting restoration of a major rose window, involving terra cotta, stained glass, and carved wood elements.

This project centered on the repair and rebuilding of damaged terra cotta elements of a major rose window (Joseph Even Mackay, glass designer), involving creative solutions for seismic retrofit, glass repair, and terra cotta restoration. John Fidler Preservation Technology was responsible for the project. This project was partly funded by an award from the National Fund for Sacred Places in 2019