Individuals, building owners, and a local business will be recognized by the Santa Monica Conservancy this Sunday, Jan. 29, for their exemplary contributions to the preservation of Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The Conservancy’s Annual Meeting will start at 3 p.m.at the historic John Byers-designed Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica at 1260 18th Street (corner of 18th and Arizona). The recognitions will take place at the meeting.
“Preservation is frequently an ongoing process representing dedication and investment over many years,” said Carol Lemlein, President of the Board of the Conservancy. “We are delighted to showcase these accomplishments, some of which began a decade or more before the Conservancy was founded in 2002.”
The Conservancy’s President’s Award will be presented to local historian Ernie Marquez for his commitment to the preservation of Santa Monica’s early history and that of the families of the Rancho Boca de Santa Monica.
Marquez is the author of several books on Santa Monica history including Santa Monica Beach, a Collector’s Pictorial History and the recently published Noir Afloat, about the gambling ships in Santa Monica Bay.
Barbara Stinchfield will receive the Conservancy’s Outstanding Service Award for her recognition of the value of Santa Monica’s heritage as Director of Community and Cultural Services of the City of Santa Monica.
Stinchfield’s leadership in balancing preservation values and other stakeholder interests has resulted in outstanding projects. These include the Annenberg Community Beach House, the strategic plan for Palisades Park as a landmark, the renovation of Miles Playhouse, and the Urban Forest Task Force, and the preservation and adaptive reuse of the 1890s Shotgun House which is slated to become a Preservation Resource Center operated by the Conservancy.
The Spanish Colonial Revival Builders Exchange Building at 1501 – 1509 4th Street will receive a Restoration Award. This building, at the southeast corner of 4th and Broadway, is widely noted for its beautiful “Churrigueresque” ornamentation. The Conservancy is recognizing architect William Dale Brantley’s restoration after the 1994 earthquake and the C. Belle Grischow Trust’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the building.
Vincent Landay and Cheryl Clark, owners of 2450 25th Street, have been selected to receive the second Restoration Award. The 1907 American Foursquare Style home, in danger of demolition, was moved from its original location at 1140 7th Street to Sunset Park. After their extraordinary initial effort to relocate and sensitively restore the home, the owners have shown an ongoing commitment to protecting its architectural integrity.
Susan Connally will receive a Stewardship Award for her exceptional dedication as owner of the Charmont (on right) and The Sovereign (on left), two of Santa Monica’s most iconic apartment buildings. Connally is being recognized for her continuing efforts in the repair, renovation, maintenance and enhancement of these two 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings, designated as City Landmarks and listed on both the National and California Registers of Historic Places.
A second Stewardship Award will go to Don Kidson, owner of Busy Bee Hardware at 1521 Santa Monica Blvd, one of Santa Monica’s oldest commercial establishments. Kidson has maintained the authentic, historic character of vintage hardware store, affirming its continuing role and relevance to Santa Monica in the 21st century.
Finally, Phyllis Conkle will receive the 2012 Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service as creator of the Conservancy’s receptions and parties in historic places. She has dazzled Conservancy members and friends with events that are beautifully and gracefully executed, with every detail of the refreshments, décor, and logistics carefully thought through.
The meeting is open to the public. For more information and to reserve seats, see www.smconservancy.org or call 310.496.3146.
