04/18/2017
Historic Elmira, Inc. Presents Four Local Winners
the Ninth Annual Preservation Awards
April 12, 2017– Historic Elmira presented their Ninth Annual Preservation Awards at an event held at Elmira College’s Cowles Hall today. Project Awards were presented to Norb Miller, the Near Westside Neighborhood Association, and IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 139. The George L. Howell Advocate Award was presented to Kaye C. Newbury, one of the founding members, and outgoing
President of Historic Elmira, Inc.
“We are continually surprised, and pleased by the number of people in Elmira who actively engage in historic preservation,” said Michael P. Hosey, Chairman of the Board of Historic Elmira, Inc. “Our annual awards program continues to ensure that their work is recognized and appreciated.”
The Project Award recognizes historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse projects in the Elmira area that contribute to the appearance, character, and value of our local neighborhoods and community.
A Project Award was given to the Near Westside Neighborhood Association, Inc. for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Circa 1902 structure at 355 Davis Street, Elmira, and for their continuing quest to support the restoration and economic development of the Near Westside.
A Project Award was also presented to Norb Miller for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Circa 1876 house at 367 West Gray Street, Elmira, along with many other similar projects that are helping to contribute to the economic development of the Elmira area.
The IBEW Local 139 received a Project Award for their adaptive reuse of the former Elmira Coca-Cola Bottling Company Works Plant located at 415 West Second Street, Elmira. They purchased and renovated the building as a new headquarters and training facility in Elmira’s Near Westside District. The new training facility is the only one of its kind in Chemung, Steuben, Tioga and Allegheny counties. Up to fifty apprentices per year are trained at the facility in alternative and green energy techniques.
The George L. Howell Advocate Award celebrates government officials, community leaders, local business owners, journalists, and private citizens who passionately value and demonstrate their advocacy for our historic and architectural heritage through active involvement in the community. The Advocate Award is also open to groups or organizations currently engaged in promoting historic preservation in the Elmira area.
This year’s Advocate Award goes to Kaye C. Newbury in recognition of her passionate and exemplary leadership of Historic Elmira since its inception and her unwavering commitment and dedication to historic preservation in the Elmira area.
“Kaye was the acting President from 2007 through 2016 and was a driving force behind many of the achievements of the organization,” states Hosey. “Her unending enthusiasm, passion, wit and humor, and her ability to bring people together are hallmarks of her style.”
The mission of Historic Elmira, Inc. is to champion historic preservation in the Elmira region by providing education, advocacy, collaboration, and facilitation in activities supporting preservation and enhancements of buildings and sites of historic significance. More information about Historic Elmira can be found at www.HistoricElmira.org.
