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Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) recently celebrated its annual Preservation Awards, acknowledging exceptional efforts to safeguard the county’s rich heritage.
Held at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, the event recognized individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to preserving Miami-Dade County’s architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage.
“Our annual Preservation Awards is about honoring those who understand that our built environment is not just a collection of structures, but a tapestry of stories that define us,” said DHT’s executive director Christine Rupp.
“By celebrating their efforts, we not only acknowledge their commitment to preserving our heritage but also inspire others to join in the endeavor. Together, we ensure that our shared history remains alive and cherished for generations to come,” she said.
Rupp emphasizes that historic preservation extends far beyond nostalgia. DHT’s diverse initiatives actively address pressing community needs, such as tackling Miami’s housing affordability crisis through its Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) initiative.
Additionally, its leadership within the Miami Canopy Coalition aims to protect existing trees and expand the county’s tree canopy.
“Preservation offers myriad opportunities to benefit our community,” Rupp noted. “Through our annual Preservation Awards, we honor individuals who share our commitment to preservation, implementing innovative and practical approaches that enhance daily life for all.”
The recipients of the 2024 Dade Heritage Trust Annual Preservation Awards were:
2024 Arva Parks McCabe Award for Preservation Excellence: Jeff Ransom
Jeff Ransom, chief archaeologist with the Miami-Dade County Office of Historic Preservation, was honored for his extensive work in archaeology, including the identification of archaeological sites at risk from sea-level rise.
2024 Dolly MacIntyre Resiliency Award: Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade
Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade, a historical society preserving the legacy of early settlers, was recognized for its commitment to studying and celebrating South Florida’s pioneer heritage.
Arch Creek Trust
Acknowledged for its dedication to protecting and preserving historic Arch Creek Park and its natural environment, Arch Creek Trust ensures the legacy of this important Florida archaeological site.
Torre Construction – La Palma Restoration
Torre Construction’s meticulous restoration of the historic La Palma Hotel exemplifies the art of preservation, transforming a landmark into a modern culinary destination while preserving its architectural integrity.
Friends of Biscayne Bay
Celebrated for 50 years of advocacy and preservation efforts, Friends of Biscayne Bay has been instrumental in protecting and educating the public about the importance of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves.
Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum
Recognized for its dedication to preserving Homestead’s history, the Town Hall Museum showcases artifacts and photographs depicting the city’s rich heritage.
Julia & Henry’s
Honored for its adaptive reuse of the historic 1936 Walgreens Building, Julia & Henry’s serves as a vibrant cultural hub, revitalizing Downtown Miami while preserving its architectural heritage.
Plusurbia for Grove Park Historic Designation
Honored for its work to have the Grove Park neighborhood recognized on the National Register of Historic Places – the first federal district listing in Miami since 2006.
Patrizia Bonaduce
Acknowledged for her leadership in historic preservation in the Village of Miami Shores, Patrizia Bonaduce’s dedication has ignited community pride and inspired others.
Friends of the Commodore Trail
Recognized for their advocacy and efforts to improve the Commodore Trail, the group works to create a world-class, five-mile urban trail connecting Coconut Grove to the Coral Gables waterway neighborhoods.
Shawn Beightol
Shawn Beightol, a chemistry teacher at John A. Ferguson Senior High School, was honored for his dedication to preserving the Miami River’s history. He conducts research tours with FIU Institute of Environment, offering students firsthand exploration and insights into the river’s rich history.
T & G Contractors for Christ Fellowship Church Restoration
T & G Constructors’ restoration of the Christ Fellowship Church preserves its rich heritage while integrating modern amenities, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Alex and Marta Silva for Restoration of 1043 N. Greenway Dr.
Alex and Marta Silvas were honored for the meticulous restoration of their 1923 H. George Fink-designed home in Coral Gables. The 22-month restoration illustrates their dedication to preserving their own piece of Coral Gables architectural heritage.
R.J. Heisenbottle Architects for Citizens Bank Building Restoration
R.J. Heisenbottle Architects was recognized for its restoration of the 1925, H. George Fink designed Citizens Bank Building in Downtown Miami’s Omni neighborhood. The 10,000-square-foot Neo-Classical building is slated to be a mix-use commercial space.
Seth Bramson
Author and historian Seth Bramson was honored for dedicating six decades to amassing, cataloging, preserving, publishing, and sharing the unique history of South Florida through his Bramson Archive, which contains memorabilia, Floridiana, and historic collectibles.
Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry Inc.
The Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry Inc. was founded in 1984 at the historic Christ Episcopal Church in Village West Coconut Grove. This year it celebrates 40 years of serving the community. The non-profit was honored for demonstrating how a community working together can make an enormous difference.
Angel Sosa
Honored for his family’s stewardship of the historic Gulf Gas Station on Coral Way, Angel Sosa’s dedication to preserving Miami’s architectural heritage is commendable. Designated as an historic landmark by the City of Miami in 1983, the gas station was originally constructed in 1938 and called the Southland Super Service Station.
Dade Heritage Trust congratulates all the award recipients for their outstanding contributions to historic preservation in our community.
For detailed information about all the Preservation Award honorees, visit https://bit.ly/49SqWIT.
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