NC Preservation Awards

RUTH COLTRANE CANNON AWARD:
Joseph K. Oppermann and Langdon E. Oppermann, Winston-Salem
North Carolina’s most prestigious preservation award is presented to an individual or organization that has made contributions of statewide significance to historic preservation in North Carolina. Originating in 1948, the award is named for Ruth Coltrane Cannon of Concord, president of the North Carolina Society for the Preservation of Antiquities from 1945-1956, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to preservation. The recipient receives an engraved pewter cup. The winner’s name is also added to a master Cannon Cup, which now includes a long list of North Carolina notables.

ROBERT E. STIPE PROFESSIONAL AWARD:
Clay Griffith, Asheville
The highest honor presented to working professionals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to preservation as part of their job responsibilities. The award was established in 1983 to memorialize the many contributions of Robert E. Stipe of Chapel Hill, an educator in the field of historic preservation and a mentor to a generation of preservation professionals. The award recognizes career men and women who show exceptional leadership and/or dedication to the cause of preservation. Individuals working in historic preservation are eligible, including staff of non-profit preservation organizations, architects, landscape architects, planners, teachers, contractors, craftspeople, consultants, and North Carolina Historic Preservation Office staff. The recipient receives a $500 stipend.

L. VINCENT LOWE JR. BUSINESS AWARD:
CT Wilson Construction, Durham
The highest honor presented to a business that assists or promotes historic preservation in North Carolina. Established in 1983 as the North Carolina Business Award, the name was changed in memory of Vince Lowe of Wilson, a longtime supporter of historic causes in North Carolina, who was serving as chairman of Preservation NC’s 50th Anniversary Campaign at the time of his unexpected death in 1989. The award acknowledges the involvement of the business community in preservation and recognizes businesses that have shown vision, leadership and creativity in promoting the protection of the state’s architectural resources.

STEDMAN INCENTIVE GRANT:
Warren County Community Center, Warrenton
The Stedman Incentive Grant is awarded to recognize and assist nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve the state’s architectural heritage. Originating in 1976, the $15,000 award is funded each year by the Marion Stedman Covington Foundation of Greensboro in memory of Mrs. Covington’s father. The grant encourages and facilitates rescuing endangered historic and architecturally significant properties in North Carolina.

MINNETTE C. DUFFY LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION AWARD:
Heath Massey and John Mitchener for Playmore Estate, Highlands
The highest honor given for the preservation, restoration or maintenance of landscapes, gardens, streetscapes, or grounds related to historic structures. This award recognizes the landscape’s importance in preserving historic structures. First presented in 1987, the award is made possible by the family of the late Minnette Chapman Duffy of New Bern, whose leadership contributed to the reconstruction of Tryon Palace. Landscape architects, preservation organizations, garden clubs, local governments, property owners or volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, research or work in landscape preservation are eligible. The recipient receives a $500 stipend.

DeWAYNE H. ANDERSON SR. AWARD FOR HOUSING:
David Maurer, AIA, Raleigh
The highest honor given for the creation or preservation of housing in historic buildings. This award recognizes the innovative use of historic buildings to create new or updated housing. Creative affordable or downtown housing solutions through historic preservation are of special interest. First presented in 2023, the award is made possible by the family of the late DeWayne H. Anderson, Sr., of Winston-Salem, whose career and leadership resulted in thousands of units of new housing in historic schools, mills, and hospitals across the South. His adaptive use of Piedmont Leaf Lofts in housing was instrumental in the remarkable revitalization of downtown Winston-Salem.

ALEXA AYCOCK GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Leslie Brians – Pines Preservation Guild, Moore County
This award recognizes an individual who has been a catalyst and leader in generating community engagement and support of historic preservation at the local level through advocacy and education. It recognizes the importance of grassroots preservation campaigns to the success and continuation of the preservation movement across the state. First presented in 2024, the award is made possible by the Marion Stedman Covington Foundation of Greensboro in honor of Alexa Aycock, who served as the Foundation’s grants coordinator and Executive Director for more than 30 years. The foundation funded more than $4.7 million in grants to preservation projects under Alexa’s leadership. The award winner receives a $500 stipend and an additional $500 award directed to a nonprofit organization that supports historic preservation in North Carolina of the recipient’s choice.