Robert Wilonsky in 2018. Photography by Danny Fulgencio.
Preservation Dallas announced the winners of the 2023 Special Recognition Award. These awards recognize individuals and businesses that have made contributions to the Dallas preservation community.
“The winners of our Special Recognition Awards represent a cross-section of the hardest-working and most-committed preservationists in Dallas,” said Norman Alston, FAIA, President of Preservation Dallas. “While we are honoring them, really we are the ones who feel honored, by having the chance to publicly recognize our honorees, and thank them for their service to our community. Preservation Dallas, and Dallas as a whole, are in their debt.”
Thomas Jefferson High School alumni and city columnist Robert Wilonsky will be receiving the Preservation Education Award. The Preservation Education Award recognizes those who produce publications or media which help educate the general public about the value of historic preservation, or the preservation of historic resources.
Other awards and honorees for this year include:
Dorothy Savage Award
The Dorothy Savage Award recognizes significant and ongoing contributions to the preservation of Dallas’ neighborhoods and urban core. The honoree for this year is Carol Roark.
Craftsmanship Award
This award will be presented to Eric Samuelsen. The Craftsmanship Award recognizes an individual dedicated to a craft for preservation purposes, helping us to further our mission.
Stewardship Award
The Stewardship Award recognizes long-term commitment to the preservation of a historic building or historic site. The 2023 honoree for this award is Cheryl & Kevin Vogel for Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden.
Spirit of Preservation Award
The Spirit of Preservation Award recognizes an individual who brings forth the ‘Spirit of Preservation’ to inspire and lead others in our community. The 2023 honoree for this award is the late Dr. George E. Keaton, Jr (to be accepted on Dr. Keaton’s behalf by Reggie Small).
Gail Thoma Patterson Award
The Gail Thoma Patterson Award recognizes an outstanding restoration project done to exacting standards. The 2023 Honorees are Mark Martinek, Jay Baker, and Katherine D. Seale for The Rosenfield House (aka “The Blue House”).
Volunteer Honor Award
The Volunteer Honor Award recognizes a volunteer who has made exceptional contributions to assist Preservation Dallas The 2023 honoree is Julie Travis.
Preservation Advocacy Award
The Preservation Advocacy Award recognizes a specific advocacy project that advances the mission of the organization. The 2023 honoree is the Preservation Dallas Education Committee for DISD Historic Schools Research Project.
Historic Cornerstone Business Award
The Historic Cornerstone Business Award recognizes a business that has a long-term connection of over 30 years to the Dallas community, with service to the construction/preservation community. The 2023 honoree is Texas Paint and Wallpaper.
The 2023 Special Recognition Awards and Preservation Achievement Awards will be presented at Preservation Dallas’s 24th annual awards ceremony.
The ceremony will be held at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum on May 17. Jason Wheeler from WFAA will host the event. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
