Bricks and Mortar Projects and a Distinguished Preservationist Honored at Doris Duke Awards Ceremony

(Editor's note: John Grenville Winslow passed away on September 15, after the award was conferred on him. His work lives on.)

The fifth annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards event was packed with those who cherish Newport's architecture and its past, often a merry band of crackpots and their architects and builders who buy and restore old buildings of merit that have been left to decline. The ceremony was held in a sprawling tent (or two) on the grounds of Rough Point, Ms. Duke's palatial residence on Newport, Rhode Island's Bellevue Avenue.

Awards this year were given out to several private restoration projects and to one distinguished individual, John Grenville Winslow, for his tremendous contributions to historic preservation in Newport, Rhode Island. After a welcome from NRF Executive Director Pieter Roos, Newport Mayor Steve Waluk added his own plea for an acceptance of the plan presented for a redesign of Queen Anne's Square proposed by private citizens. He was also was laugh-out-loud funny. Then came the Winslow Distinguished Steward Award.

Friend, Michael Semenza and Mary Jennings

Mr. Winslow who was honored for his long involvement and continued dedication to the field of historic preservation, was represented by his wife, Helen Winslow, who spoke movingly of her husband's long love affair with Newport, averring that he had only two loves in his life, her and our city by the sea. She thanked the NRF and the city for honoring him while he was still with us.

At Mrs. Winslow's table were Oatsie Charles, Noreen Drexel and Donald Christ, who applauded her remarks. The overflow crowd of 220 guests included Eric Hertfelder of the Fort Adams Trust, Paul Miller of the Preservation Society, Edward Sanderson, Director of the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission, Dana Corson, Pauline Metcalf, Tom and Karen Roskelly, Ross and Leah Cann, Gladys Szapary, and Trudy Coxe.

Trudy Coxe with Ed Lavallee

Mr. Winslow was Chairman Emeritus of the Preservation Society of Newport County, where he served as President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1977-1989. As an authority on the history of Newport, Mr. Winslow has lent his expertise to many research projects.

Mohamad Farzan, founder of the Newport Architecture, LLC and a regional director for The American Institute of Architects, collaborated with Mr. Winslow on several projects, including the 2007 AIA Guide to Newport. He was there with his wife Dorienne, and Richard Youngken. Mr. Farzan stated, "With his finger on the pulse of the community, John Winslow is known as a formidable force behind Newport's preservation movement. Had it not been for his steadfast commitment to preservation, many important historic buildings in Newport would have been lost to us."

Other awards went to Cheryl Auger and Chris Peck, chosen for their restoration of 82 Thames Street, a noteworthy example of a low-impact, partial do-it-yourself project on a modest, yet elegant 1870s multi-family dwelling. Ashley and Frank O'Keefe were selected for their remarkable adaptive reuse of the 1890s Wrentham Carriage House, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, which lay in ruin when the O'Keefes purchased it.

Pamela Giroux, Dorienne Farzan & Cynthia Sinclair

The International Tennis Hall of Fame was chosen for its tremendous work in preserving the Casino Theatre at the ITHF and restoring it in a way compatible with 21st century use. Sister Therese Antone accepted the award for Salve Regina University, a partner in the Theatre, and thanked Linda Gordon for chairing the restoration committee.

"This year's honorees represent individuals with a passion for preservation such as Doris Duke possessed. In each of these projects, the work to bring the structure back to a usable space was significant. Whether conducting a straightforward restoration or an adaptation of the structure for modern use, the honorees showed a dedication to their project. We are delighted to recognize their contribution to Newport's historic landscape," commented Pieter N. Roos.

All proceeds from the awards celebration benefit the Doris Duke Fund for Historic Preservation, which distributes grants to civic and non-profits organizations on Aquidneck Island and Jamestown. The funds from the 2010 awards celebration benefited the City of Newport for restoration of the Old Stone Mill; Emmanuel Church for conservation of a wall mural; Newport Art Museum for front entry work; Newport Historical Society for repairs to Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House; Redwood Library for fence repairs; Rose Island Lighthouse for restoration of the stone bastion; and St. Mary's Church in Portsmouth.

-- L.P.

Richard Crisson & Jessica Hagen-Hill

The 2011 Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards is a joint project of the Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport to celebrate achievements in local historic preservation. For further information, go to

www.Newportrestorationfoundation.org