ALBANY, NY (September 12, 2002) – Historic Albany Foundation has released its list of Preservation Merit Award winners for 2002. The awards will be presented at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, being held this year at the Brighter Choice Charter Schools at 250 Central Avenue – the former School 10 – on Thursday, September 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

“Preservation Merit Awards are presented each year at Historic Albany Foundation’s Annual Meeting to recognize outstanding preservation efforts,” said Elizabeth Griffin, Executive Director. “This year, we’re delighted to be able to hold our awards ceremony in a late 19th century school building that was slated for demolition just three years ago.”

The Foundation will also answer the question, “Who saved School 10?” According to Griffin, “Many people have claimed credit for saving School 10 from demolition – from neighborhood residents to Mayor Jerry Jennings, from journalists to architects, from the Preservation League of New York State to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We’ll clear up the mystery once and for all at our Annual Meeting.”

According to Clare Yates, President of Historic Albany Foundation’s Board of Directors, “We are also pleased to recognize individuals and organizations that have shown preservation leadership through their actions with Certificates of Merit.” 

The annual meeting is open to the public. Suggested donation is $10, to help defray the cost of the reception, which includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. For additional information or to make a reservation, call Historic Albany Foundation at 518-465-0876. 

2002 Preservation Merit Awards: 
(follow link for photos, information)
 

• School #10 (Central and No. Lake Avenues) 

Rehabilitation & re-use of historic School 10 
• Lodge’s (75 North Pearl Street) – Exterior and storefront restoration 
• 26 Trinity Place – Renovation of abandoned townhouse 
• 469 State Street – Façade restoration
• 39 Ten Broeck Place – Salvage of historic townhouse shell

Preservation Initiative: 
 

• The Cathedral of All Saints – Ongoing restoration
• The City of Albany / Mayor Jennings

Emergency stabilization of St. Joseph’s Church
• Miss Albany Diner – Efforts to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• City of Albany Department of General Services & the Washington Park Conservancy – Restoration of the Victorian-era Mall and other efforts

Lifetime Achievement Award: 
 

• Nancy Kupiec – Vesta Construction, Inc.