As it does every January, the Santa Monica Conservancy will recognize exemplary contributions to the preservation of Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural heritage by honoring individuals, building owners and a local business with Preservation Awards at its annual meeting Sunday.

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 of 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 that is slated to become a Preservation Resource Center operated by the Conservancy. Stinchfield recently retired after 31 years with the City.

The Spanish Colonial Revival Builders Exchange Building at 1501 1509 4th Street will receive a Restoration Award. The building, at the southeast corner of 4th and Broadway, is widely noted for its beautiful “Churrigueresque” ornamentation. Specifically, the Award recognizes 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. Following 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 and The Sovereign, two of Santa Monica’s most iconic apartment buildings. Connally’s exemplary devotion to 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 were cited.

A second Stewardship Award will go to Don Kidson, owner of Busy Bee Hardware at 1521 Santa Monica Boulevard, one of Santa Monica’s oldest commercial establishments. Kidson has maintained the authentic, historic character of vintage hardware store, affirming its continuing relevance to and role in 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 logistics, decor and refreshments carefully thought through.

The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the historic John Byers-designed Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica at 1260 18th Street (corner of 18th and Arizona).

In addition to the Preservation Awards and Board of Directors election, the program will include an update on plans for the Preservation Resource Center.

Space is limited. Immediate reservations are advised. Register online, by sending email to rsvp@smconservancy.org, or by leaving a message at (310) 496-3146.

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica is located at 1260 18th St (corner of 18th St and Arizona). Additional information about John Byers and the history of the Church can be found with the event announcement on our website.

Questions? Call 310-496-3146 or email info@smconservancy.org.
Mailing Address: Santa Monica Conservancy, PO BOX 653, Santa Monica, CA 90406 US. Contact Name: Santa Monica Conservancy
Telephone Number: (310) 496-3146