FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2007
Contacts: Ann Arnold
Newport
Restoration Foundation
401-849-7300 x14
morgan@newportrestoration.org
Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards Honored
Noreen Drexel
( NEWPORT, RI) - The first annual Doris Duke Historic
Preservation Awards ceremony was held Friday evening, September
14 at Rough Point. Over 200 guests enjoyed
a cocktail reception and music before and after the awards
ceremony, which was held in The Great Hall. The Awards,
which were created by the Newport Restoration Foundation
(NRF) and the City of Newport to celebrate local excellence
in historic preservation, were presented by Pieter Roos,
NRF 's executive director, and were made possible
in part by a generous grant from BankNewport.
Noreen Drexel received the Distinguished Stewardship award for
her strong commitment to philanthropy and preservation
in Newport for more than half a century. In her acceptance
comments, Mrs. Drexel fondly recalled her friend, the late
Doris Duke, as both a champion of preservation in Newport
and as an animal lover. Three other awards were given to
recognize distinctive projects that have contributed to
preserving the historic fabric of Newport. The Redwood
Library & Athenaeum was honored for its recent project
that involved rehabilitation as well as new construction
on this National Historic Landmark site. Nicholas Scheetz
received an award for his restoration of 40 Division Street,
which incorporated modern conveniences into an 18 th century
single-family home while respecting its historic significance.
Lila Delman Real Estate, located at 3 Memorial Boulevard,
was recognized for its successful integration of a contemporary
business into a restored historic building.
Each recipient
received
The Doris Duke Award,
a sea-colored, Egyptian Revival glass column, mounted on
an inscribed bronze base, designed and handcrafted by Rhode
Island artist Steven Easton. In recognition of their exemplary
contribution to historic preservation, honorees also received
a citation from the State of Rhode Island, signed by Governor
Carcieri, a citation from Congressman Kennedy, and a proclamation
from the City of Newport.
All proceeds from this event
will go directly to grants to be made by the newly instituted
Doris
Duke Fund for Historic Preservation. While the NRF
has, for several years, given grants to small preservation
projects, the establishment of this fund will enhance the
NRF 's ability to support preservation and protect our
community 's strong historic nature. Grants will be available,
beginning in 2008, to support preservation projects, both
large and small, throughout Newport County.
Additional support for the September 14 awards
program was provided by California Paints; Franklin & Co.;
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty; Slocum,
Gordon & Co., and Tofias PC.
For more information on
the
Doris Duke Historic Preservation
Awards or the
Doris Duke Fund for Historic Preservation,
please visit
www.newportrestoration.org or
call (401) 849-7300 X 14.
# # #
Ann Arnold
Marketing & Public Relations
Manager
Newport Restoration Foundation
51
Touro Street
Newport , RI 02840
(401)
849-7300 x14
www.newportrestoration.org
