While we had hoped conditions would improve, we have received few nominations.

There are several factors at play. First is the pandemic blip. Projects under construction or on the cusp of construction two years ago have been slow to finish (or start) as construction (financing, supply chain, labor) became more difficult. Second, the State of Missouri DED’s revised scoring system, while much improved over the previous version, it makes projects extremely difficult. Lastly, the development proclivity in Kansas City has definitely shifted away from rehab to new construction, especially along the streetcar line.

We feel that having only a few entries deflates the honor of winning, therefore Historic Kansas City has decided to postpone the Historic Preservation awards to 2023. All 2021 applications will be presented to the jury in 2023.

Know that this was not an easy decision.


DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 13TH

Each year Historic Kansas City presents the Preservation Awards to a select group of individuals, organizations, and businesses for projects from throughout the Kansas City area which exemplify outstanding achievement in the field of historic preservation. The awards honor projects involving the preservation or protection of historic resources including the restoration, rehabilitation, and/or adaptive reuse of historic properties; sympathetic new additions to historic buildings; or education, documentation, and advocacy work on behalf of the preservation of our heritage.

Nominations for the 2021 Preservation Awards opened on January 7, 2022, and will be accepted through May 13, 2022, at 11:59 pm local time. See each award category below for more information.

  • Category 1 Best Adaptive Re-Use: Awarded to a project that is an exemplary example of a creative, innovative and appropriate re-use of a historic structure. The current use of the building must differ from its historical use.
  • Category 2 Best Preservation Practices: Awarded for a restoration project that has undergone work in rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction that allows for the continued original use of the structure.
  • Category 3 Contemporary Design in a Historic Context: Awarded to a project that displays appropriate and innovative contemporary design in a historic context. Any contemporary building located within a historic context is eligible, including a major addition to a historic building. The project is expected to respect and complement the historic integrity of its setting. Nominations should focus on significant aspects of the historic setting and the manner in which the contemporary design acknowledges and complements them.
  • Category 4 Innovation in Preservation: Recognize projects that show innovation (such as Blue and Green Architecture, Financing, Technology) and push the preservation movement forward.
  • Category 5 Outstanding Work by a Craftsperson: Recognizes high-quality work that demonstrates an understanding of the principles and practice of preservation techniques on a specific project. It is not intended to reflect lifetime achievement. The nomination must include photographs of the work and descriptions of the obstacles faced by the craftsperson in performing the work, innovative techniques or materials used in the project, and the process involved in the work, including research where applicable.
  • Category 6 Neighborhood Stabilization Award: Awarded to a project, individual, business or group that has greatly contributed to the revitalization of a historic neighborhood or reclamation of abandoned or poorly maintained property or structure.
  • Category 7 Richard Nadeau Award for Organizational Achievement: This award recognizes outstanding achievement in preservation activities by a group, business, municipality, neighborhood or other organization. The award nomination evaluation will be based on outstanding achievement for a significant project or for a lengthy period of dedication to preservation activities.
  • Category 8 Jane Flynn LEADERSHIP Award: Individual or joint partnership that has championed historic preservation, planning, or public policy.
  • Category 9 George Ehrlich Award: Awarded to a group or individual for an outstanding publication in preservation, history, urban design or a related topic.

 

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • A complete nomination form must be submitted.
  • Projects and activities must have been completed during the 2021 calendar year.
  • HKC will accept both self-nominations and nominations without the knowledge of the nominee.
  • Awards may not be given in all categories and more than one award per category may be made.
  • Awards are chosen and conferred at the discretion of the Historic Kansas City Board of Directors.
  • Projects are to be located within the following counties: Missouri: Clay, Jackson, Platte. Kansas: Johnson, Wyandotte

Application Fee

  • There is NO application fee for HKC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP for the following categories:
    • Jane Flynn LEADERSHIP Award
    • George Ehrlich Award
    • Richard Nadeau Award for Organizational Achievement
    • Neighborhood Stabilization Award
  • There is NO application fee for HKC BUSINESS MEMBERS OR CORPORATE SPONSORS for any nomination category.
  • There is a $150 application fee per project for the following categories, excluding HKC BUSINESS MEMBERS OR CORPORATE SPONSORS:
    • Best Adaptive Re-use
    • Best Preservation Practices
    • Contemporary design in a Historic Context
    • Innovation in Preservation
    • Outstanding Work by a Craftsperson

Nomination Requirements

In order to be considered a nomination including the following must be submitted by  May 13th, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. local time.

  • A full one-page narrative explaining why the nominee deserves area-wide recognition. Describe the challenges overcome, unique strategies used, efforts to incorporate sustainable practices, positive impact on the community, and overall contribution to historic preservation. Provide in either Word or PDF document.
  • If any Federal or State programs providing financial assistance to the project, please list them.
  • Articles describing the project.
  • Submit at least fifteen (15) high-resolution digital images, each titled with the name of the nominated project. Digital images must be submitted in the form of JPEG files. Before and after images are encouraged so to strengthen the merits of the application.

By submitting this application, you consent to and approve the Historic Kansas City Foundation’s use, reproduction, or make available, the information on this form and any supporting materials provided including all image[s], without compensation.

Nomination Form

STRATA Architecture Inc. is a woman owned, small business with extensive experience in historic restoration and renovation, adaptive reuse, new construction, and planning in both residential and commercial construction. Representing over 30+ years of architectural experience, our firm specializes in existing buildings and sites, adaptive reuse, smart growth and new construction within a historic context. With a special emphasis on contextual suitability, our design approach responds to the unique challenges of each project with the goal of both satisfying the client and developing sound and appropriate architectural solutions. Each solution is tailored to fit the opportunities and constraints of the individual project’s design, budget, and schedule – an approach that has resulted in a noteworthy history of implemented on-time and on-budget projects for the firm. STRATA Architecture Inc. represents a commitment to the field of historic preservation and renovation, exemplified by their dedication to historic buildings. The firm is headquartered in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, within a 1960s Mid-Century Modern building.

 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER SPONSORS

Rosin Preservation brings to the table more than 60 years of professional experience working with a broad spectrum of preservation projects and issues. Our clients are building owners interested in financial incentives, such as tax credits, that support their rehabilitation projects; public agencies who are using historic resources as a planning and economic development tool; and entities that need to comply with federal, state and local preservation regulations.

 

Marvin has been solving historic rehabilitation challenges for decades—collaborating early on with architects, facilities managers and general contractors; reviewing products and options; navigating the National Parks Service guidelines; discussing window specifications with local historic commissions; and attending field testing.

 

TreanorHL provides complete planning and architectural design services for historic preservation projects—including restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse—from planning through construction. Our preservation specialists go beyond simply navigating historic standards, combining the technical precision that old buildings demand with creative design solutions that build from, restore and build upon what is there. The result? Historically significant buildings that serve well into the future as modern functioning buildings, designed for contemporary users.