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Recognizing high achievement and excellence in the field of historic preservation through namesake awards has long been a hallmark of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. On November 4, two celebratory events highlighted a broad range of projects that demonstrate preservation excellence and serve as important historic and cultural anchors in communities around the country.

In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards were presented at the organization’s annual PastForward conference that was held November 1-4. Each year, winners are selected by an independent jury and the awards honor the very highest level of preservation achievement throughout the United States. These much anticipated awards highlight the inspiring stories and people behind the projects, and recognize excellence in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and the reimagining of historic buildings for the future. Showcasing each project’s unique contributions, long-time preservationist Bob Vila presented awards to the following 2022 winners.

  • Paul R. Williams Family Apartments – Los Angeles, California
  • Old Cook County Hospital – Chicago, Illinois
  • Nome Schoolhouse – Nome, North Dakota

Over 200 guests as well as a virtual audience attended the 29th annual Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, followed by a reception in the recently restored Grand Army of the Republic Rooms.

Nine winning projects highlighted outstanding preservation efforts throughout Illinois that demonstrate excellence and notable impact on their local communities. In honor of Richard H. Driehaus’ enduring vision and creative spirit, the annual Richard H. Driehaus Legacy Award recognized a forward thinking project representing innovation in historic preservation. This year, the honor was presented to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo for its $41 million renovation, restoration, and expansion of its historic lion house originally completed in 1912. Renamed the Pepper Family Wildlife Center, the project created a healthier and more sustainable wildlife habitat and is now fully accessible to the public for the first time in its 110-year history.

The following 2022 winners were honored at the event.

  • Hotel Bellevue – Bellevue (Advocacy)
  • Chicago Cultural Center Grand Army of the Republic Rooms – Chicago (Restoration)
  • Lincoln Park Zoo Pepper Family Wildlife Center – Chicago (Rehabilitation and winner of the Richard H. Driehaus Legacy Award)
  • Mattie Butler Apartments – Chicago (Leadership)
  • Pullman National Monument and State Historic Site – Chicago (Rehabilitation)
  • Lock & Mule – Lockport (Adaptive Reuse)
  • Crown Brew Coffee Co. – Marion (Rehabilitation)
  • Broadgauge – Petersburg (Adaptive Reuse)
  • Rockford City Market – Rockford (Adaptive Reuse)

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