Central Street Neighbors Association

The May 26 City Council meeting began with the presentation of the 2009 Preservation and Design Awards selected by the Evanston Preservation Commission. Four north Evanston projects were among the number of outstanding projects recognized for care and sensitivity.

One building, 2834 Central St., the former Saxophone Shop, has been previously mentioned numerous times by the Central Street Neighbors Association and on this website as an excellent example of adaptive re-use. Owners Morgante and WIlson of Morgante-Wilson Architects were rightly recognized for the scale and imagination of this project, and for reference to the original 1950s theme of the facade.
 
Another award-winning project is located at 2815 Garrison. James & Charlottte Joslin, owners, along with the architect and contractor, were honored for a sensitive rehabilitation and improvement that included the expansion of a 1960s 1-car garage to a 2-car garage within the context of the original structure.
 
Richard & Debra Sincere of 2424 Lincoln, a designated Evanston landmark, were recognized for "proper restoration and rehabilitation" of the single-family residence they own at that address.
 
The Commission's highest honor, the Margery B. Perkins Award, went to Northwestern University, Harbo Architects, and Turner Construction for the restoration of the historic and Annie May Swift Hall on the NU campus. The project included total rehabilitation of the brick and terracotta exterior, eaves and soffit repair, parapet and bracket work, and interior restoration and remodeling. All in all, the Commission considered it "an excellent example of true restoration."