Manayunk Wins Awards From Preservation Alliance

MANAYUNK -- The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia has announced the winners of the 2016 Preservation Achievement Awards, and Manayunk is among the locales being honored.

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and other individuals, organizations, structures and public spaces that contribute to the region’s unique character will be recognized, the Alliance said in a press release.

The awards will be presented on June 8th, with Mayor Jim Kenney joining the celebration.

Kurt Zwikl, a former legislator who spearheaded efforts to save hundreds of historic structures along the banks of the Schuylkill, is the recipient of the Alliance’s highest honor, the James Biddle Lifetime Achievement Award, according to the release.

“Kurt has been fighting for preservation ever since he was elected to the Pennsylvania House at age 24,” said Caroline Boyce, Alliance Executive Director, in a statement. “His indefatigable persuasiveness and tenacity has improved Pennsylvanians’ quality of life from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. It is the commitment of people like Kurt that has made this a thriving, desirable region. Celebrating his accomplishments during the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act is particularly significant.”

Other individuals, groups and projects that will be honored include.

• Global Philadelphia, whose efforts earned Philadelphia the World Heritage City recognition;
• Louis Kahn’s Esherick House, which was renovated with respect and sensitivity by new owners;
• Manayunk Bridge Trail, rehabbed into the crown jewel of the regional trail network;
• Philadelphia City Hall Gates, fabricated with precision from John McArthur’s original 1869 design.
• These and other winners are posted on www.preservationalliance.com.

Hosted by media personality Amy Caples, the 23nd Annual Preservation Achievement Awards will take place on Wednesday, June 8rd, 5-8pm, at the historic Union League of Philadelphia. The annual celebration is the largest gathering of preservationists in the region, with 500 guests anticipated. Frank Emile Sanchis, III, Director of US Programs for the World Monuments Fund, will be a special guest at the event. Sanchis headed this year’s Alliance awards jury.

“There are many awards programs, said Alliance Board Chair Mary Werner DeNadai, FAIA, trustee emeritus of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “but ours is rapid fire fun featuring the region’s most stunning historic residential, sacred and institutional structures, from Federalist to Mid-Century Modern. The individuals and groups receiving Special Recognition Awards will astound and inspire our guests with their commitment to preserving what is special about Philadelphia.”

The Alliance is buoyed by a successful year of innovation, including its publication of Extant, the only magazine in the region devoted exclusively to preservation; its Young Friends’ successful campaign to Save the Saucer in Love Park; two new easements negotiated for the protection of Center City buildings; and its enhanced Architecture Walking Tour program.

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia actively promotes the appreciation, protection, and revitalization of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities, and landscapes. A 501c3 non-profit membership organization, the Alliance leads in setting the agenda for preservation issues of regional importance and advocates strong public preservation policies. Visit www.preservationalliance.com.