Help Make Preservation a Priority!

2022 Preservation Award Winners

Six outstanding individuals and organizations who have advanced historic preservation in Columbus through action!

Henry L Hunker Urban Legacy Award
Henry L. Hunker was the second President of Columbus Landmarks and Professor of Geography at Ohio State. Henry understood that what we have today is the result of the physical, economic, social, creative  and cultural forces that combine to shape a city over time. He was known to be a wonderful storyteller and architectural adventurer. This award honors those who love and appreciate the urban environment, in its broadest definition, and work tirelessly to improve it.

WINNER: Matt Leasure

Matt is a past Board President and a principal, landscape architect and planner at Designing Local. This award honors those who love and appreciate the urban environment, in its broadest definition, and work tirelessly to improve it. We think that Henry would be very proud of the award-winning Atlas of Columbus Landmarks and Urban Ideas Forum Matt produced as well as his dedicated service on the Advocacy and Endangered Properties Fund Committees.

Paul E. Young Outstanding Achievement in Education Award

Paul E. Young was a founding Trustee of Columbus Landmarks and longtime Professor of Architecture at Ohio State. Paul fostered love of the city and appreciation for its layers and detail in his students. The Award in his memory honors those who lead discovery of a new dimension of the city’s architectural and historical legacy.

WINNER: Lindsay Jones 

As sole proprietor of Blind Eye Restoration, Lindsay is our go-to resource for historic restoration and conservation contracting. This award honors those who lead discovery of a new dimension of the city’s architectural and historical legacy. We continue to be impressed by Lindsay’s work and her commitment to the historic building trades. It has been a pleasure to partner with Lindsay on the Building Arts Studio at Fort Hayes.

Frederick J. Holdridge Outstanding Group Award

Frederick J. Holdridge was an honorary Columbus Landmarks trustee and German Village activist extraordinaire.  The Award recognizes people who have significantly fostered the cause of historic preservation and like Fred, make it meaningful and for all to enjoy.

WINNER: Modcon Living

The organization’s Mod Squad, Tool Library and Safe at Home programs are outstanding community resources. The Tool-lending Library program provides their members access to more than 4,800 hand and power tools for DIY projects, helping individuals and nonprofit organizations better care for their homes and gardens. Our Home Preservation Program has directly benefited and we are grateful for our partnership.

Dixie Sayre Miller Patron Award
Dixie Sayre Miller was a trustee of Columbus Landmarks, and a determined advocate. Dixie’s passion for preservation was matched by her generosity: she designated Columbus Landmarks a beneficiary of her estate. The 2009 bequest established an endowment fund that is growing at The Columbus Foundation and providing seed capital for the Home Preservation Loan Fund. The Dixie Sayre Miller Patron Award recognizes commitment and support that reaches beyond the ordinary in the cause of historic preservation.

WINNER: Ryan Aiello 

Ryan Aiello is a past Board President and an attorney at Dinsmore. Ryan graciously provides pro-bono legal  services and is an active member of our Endangered Properties Fund Committee. The Dixie Sayre Miller Patron Award recognizes commitment and support that reaches beyond the ordinary in the cause of historic preservation. We are very grateful for the expert legal counsel Ryan provides, as well as his leadership and vision. Columbus Landmarks has ‘leveled up’ thanks to Ryan’s personal and professional generosity and commitment.

Doreen Uhas Sauer Outstanding Individual Award
Doreen Uhas Sauer is a lifelong educator, and perennially popular tour guide, author and community leader. She is a past Columbus Landmarks President and continues in service as Education Coordinator. The award in her honor recognizes leadership and service that goes above and beyond.

WINNER: Mark Ferenchik 

We are grateful for Mark’s dedicated work as a Columbus Dispatch reporter. We have observed him “on the scene" many times over the years, engaging with community members to gain a fuller understanding of urban issues throughout the city. His commitment has helped to expand an appreciation for our city’s built environment and why it matters.

James L. Keyes President’s Award

The James L. Keyes President’s Award is named for the founding President of Columbus Landmarks and a lifelong believer in the importance of historic preservation. Jim was there 44 years ago in the battle to save the remaining Union Station Arch and move it twice, and to create this organization dedicated to historic preservation and design excellence.

WINNER: Nagy Family 

The Nagy Brothers Shoe Repair building at 1725 S Parsons Ave was featured on Columbus Landmarks Most Endangered Sites List in 2020 due to vacancy and for its potential for adaptive reuse. We are very grateful for the opportunity to work with the Nagy family on our first Endangered Properties Fund project. Thank you to the Nagy Family for being good stewards of the building and for entrusting Columbus Landmarks with its ongoing legacy.