Photos by Ryo Hamasaki
On the evening of October 9, the preservation community came together at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for the 2024 Wrecking Ball Gala and Preservation Awards. This annual event, aptly themed “Demolishing Barriers in Historic Preservation,” served as a vibrant celebration of the community’s commitment to honoring and revitalizing historic buildings and spaces.
Sponsor support
To launch the Awards portion of the evening, event hosts, Kristen Anderson and Collin Kaas, took to the podium to kick off the evening’s program. Kristen, President of the Rethos Board of Directors, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for their support, emphasizing the importance of historic preservation in maintaining the vibrant narratives of communities. Collin, the incoming President, echoed these sentiments, thanking the generous sponsors, starting with lead sponsor Weis Builders at the Foundation level, followed by National Window Associates at the Cornerstone level. Framework sponsors included Kaas Wilson Architects, WL Hall, and D&M Industries, while several businesses contributed at the Masonry and Dance Partner levels, showcasing the strong support from the business community for historic preservation efforts.
Awards
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Rethos Historic Preservation Awards. Rethos Executive Director Heidi Swank, PhD presented the first award, the Doors Open Minneapolis Venue Accessibility Award, which recognized Lakewood Cemetery for its exceptional dedication to accessibility. Lakewood Cemetery provided a welcoming environment for visitors to engage with the beautiful spaces at Lakewood Cemetery.
Next, the Lifetime Achievement Award in Historic Preservation was awarded to Robert “Bob” Roscoe, who has been a pivotal figure in preserving the architectural heritage of the Twin Cities. His commitment has set a precedent for future preservation initiatives in the region.
The evening continued with recognition in the New Preservation Projects category to the Schaus House (1858) in Mankato, a project led by Caleb Wundermachen and Tom Hagen. Their dedication to restoring this historic stone house exemplifies the spirit of preservation.
Outstanding Advocacy and Volunteer Recognition
The Outstanding Preservation Advocate Award went to Olivia Cashman from Hennepin County, who has been a leader in deconstruction and material reuse initiatives. Her efforts have encouraged community engagement and support for preservation efforts throughout the region.
The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Mary Flicek, whose tireless work with the Wabasha Main Street program has transformed the downtown landscape. Her passion and commitment exemplify the power of community involvement in preservation.
Historic Tax Credit awards
The Small Project Award recognized the Historic Auditorium in Saint Croix Falls, developed by 210 Civic, LLC, which successfully transformed the building into a community hub while preserving its historic integrity. The Large Project Award was awarded to Fort Snelling Upper Post Flats, a collaboration involving multiple agencies and stakeholders that has brought new life to a historically significant site, creating affordable housing for veterans and their families.
As the 2024 Wrecking Ball Gala and Preservation Awards came to a close, it underscored the community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and the importance of collaboration in ensuring these historic treasures remain vibrant for future generations.