2026 Preservation Awards

Each year, Historic Wilmington Foundation honors the very special people enacting our mission through exemplary preservation efforts through adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and restoration. 

ADAPTIVE REUSE

 definition: a building that is preserved through a new use that maximizes the retention of distinctive materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships

Patty’s Place | Burgaw, NC

The story of Patty’s Place began on the “Own Your Own” restaurant competition, a national competition where more than 500 applicants competed for the opportunity to bring their dream restaurant to life. Out of 24 finalists, owner and operator Khristen Hunter won, earning one million dollars to create the restaurant of her dreams.

With the help of interior designer Chris Cahill and Masonboro Construction Company, that dream became a reality in a space that itself carries a rich history.

The historic character of the building was retained through the original brick walls and architectural charm, while modern elements such as lighting, tile work, and paint palette introduced new energy to the space.

Junior’s Deli | Burgaw, NC

Junior’s Deli tells a story very similar to Patty’s Place; a story of vision, opportunity, and the power of bringing new life to historic spaces through thoughtful reinvestment. Owner and operator Vincent Mangual first emerged through the “Own Your Own” restaurant competition, where talented entrepreneurs from across the country competed for the opportunity to bring their dream concepts to life. 

For Burgaw, this project also fulfilled part of developer Richard Johnson’s larger vision for the community: the addition of an authentic New York-style deli in the heart of downtown. With Vincent’s New York City roots, the partnership proved to be a perfect fit. Constructed by Artwork Builders and interior design by Chris Cahill, the project successfully blended the energy and character of a New York deli with the historic fabric and small-town charm of Burgaw. 

REHABILITATION

definition: a building that is repaired and/or altered while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values; features may include, but are not limited to, porch columns, siding, balustrades, windows, and stairs

119 S. 5th Ave | Wilmington, NC

Beth Rutledge & Tim Morgan
Balding Design Build

The 1935 cottage at 119 S. 5th Ave was originally commissioned by Russian-born shopkeepers and later cared for by an Italian tailor family for more than 60 years. With only three owners in its lifetime, the preservation was especially meaningful; this home carries remarkable architectural character and handcrafted detail that reflect the care of those who have lived there.

At the same time, the home was thoughtfully adapted for modern living without losing its character. This work ensures that this cottage is ready for the next 100 years while still telling the story of the last 100.

Cape Fear Apartments | Wilmington, NC

Old School Rebuilders, LLC
Rob Romero, Romero Architecture PLLC

The rehabilitation of Cape Fear Apartments was a federal and state historic tax credit project, guided by extraordinary care and expertise. This included the work of preservation consultant Heather Fearnback and architect Rob Romero.

Old School Builders approached this building with both respect for its historic character and a commitment to craftsmanship. More than 100 original wood windows were replaced, reglazed, and repainted. Masonry was carefully repointed on every elevation, damaged bricks were replaced with period-appropriate materials, and the historic fire escapes were restored to full function and beautifully renewed.

In addition to the preservation of the building itself, the landscape was improved with appropriate new plantings and long term planning included coordination with Duke Energy to support future maintenance and stewardship of the property. Most importantly, the rehabilitation of Cape Fear Apartments has returned the building to an active life. Today, all 17 apartments are rented and the new tenants are enjoying the care, beauty, and character this project preserved.

New Hanover High School | Wilmington, NC

New Hanover County Schools
New Hanover High School

As the oldest high school in Wilmington, New Hanover High School carries more than 100 years of educational history. As a fully active campus filled with students, teachers, and daily learning, rehabilitation was both urgent and meaningful to those who depend on the structure every day.

Through a nearly $8 million project, the school underwent major improvements that focused on long-term stability, safety, and usability. Crews completed foundation work and exterior repairs to address structural concerns, fully renovated sixteen classrooms and ten offices, as well as upgraded interiors with new flooring, paint, and modern finishes throughout impacted areas.

This project also improved how the school functions on a day-to-day basis, including redesigning the front office for a safer, more secrue entry point for students, staff, and visitors. As expected, rehabilitation on an active campus came with its challenges. During constructions, parts of the school community were temporarily relocated into trailers, however, students and staff adapted with resilience.

Most importantly, this rehabilitation did not change what New Hanover High School is, rather it strengthened what it already is. It preserved the school’s historic identity while improving its safety, function, and durability for future generations. As Principal Philip Sutton said, the school is now prepared for “the next 100 years.”

RESTORATION

definition: a building that accurately reflects the form, features, and character of the building as it appeared at a particular period of time by replacing missing elements, removing later elements, and limiting modern upgrades required to make the property functional

422 S. Front Street | Wilmington, NC

Ann & Charles Berger
Lanphear Builders, Inc.
David Lisle, Lisle Architecture & Design, Inc.

The historic Honnet House at 422 S. Front Street, built between 1881 and 1882 by jeweler George Honnet, has long been one of Wilmington’s architectural landmarks. Its grand scale, stately columns, intricate millwork, and handcrafted details reflect the elegance and ambition of late 19th-century Wilmington. 

From the beginning of its restoration, the mission was clear: preserve the historic character of the home while carefully integrating modern functionality.

The front facade of Honnet House was intentionally left virtually unchanged to maintain its original presence within the historic district, and wherever possible, original features were restored rather than replaced. Notably, the home’s four 23-foot columns were painstakingly reproduced in mahogany to match the originals.

126 S. 3rd Street | Wilmington, NC

Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Inc.
Patriot Roofing & Exteriors

The historic Latimer House is home to one of Wilmington’s rare surviving enslaved quarters. Built in 1852, this structure once housed eleven enslaved people connected to the workshop of brick masons R.B. and J.C. Wood. Following emancipation, it continued to serve as housing for domestic workers into the early 20th century. Today, this structure is one of only two known enslaved quarters open to the public in Wilmington, making it an essential site for telling the full and honest story of our city’s past. However, years of patchwork repairs and coatings could no longer prevent leaks, water intrusion, and drainage failures. Without intervention, both the structure and history it holds were at risk.

What makes this project significant is that, visually, the building looks almost unchanged. And that is the point; when preservation is done well, it is often invisible. The goal was not to alter the structure, but rather to ensure that it continues to survive and educate future generations in a structure built on enslaved labor, better understanding the human history tied to it.

Bijou Park | Wilmington, NC

Municipal Services District
City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation
Old School Rebuilders, LLC

Sometimes historic preservation happens under our feet, in the public spaces we use every day. The mosaic at Bijou Park is one of those rare surviving fragments of downtown Wilmington’s cultural memory, a physical connection to the former Bijou Theater.

Over the years, sections of the mosaic became damaged, tiles were knocked loose and had gone missing, and the concrete foundation beneath the mosaic was damaged. In order to make the necessary repairs, the Municipal Services District coordinated with Old School Rebuilders for the reconstruction, which emphasized keeping the space open to pedestrian access and continue functioning as a part of daily downtown life.

What makes this project significant is that it preserves a form of history that is often overlooked. The mosaic is not simply decoration, it is a tangible link to Wilmington’s historic entertainment and cultural life. It holds shared community memories and serves as a piece of Wilmington’s collective memory. Today, the mosaic lives on to continue to welcome people into the heart of downtown.

Reaves Chapel | Navassa, NC

Coastal Land Trust

Built in the mid-to-late 1800s by formerly enslaved people along the Cape Fear River, Reaves Chapel stands as a powerful link to post-emancipation African American history in our region. Around 1911, the chapel was moved to its current location and has continued to serve as a spiritual, cultural, and social center for the African American community of Navassa for over 150 years. 

The restoration of Reaves Chapel was led by community efforts through the Cedar Hill / West Bank Heritage Foundation, with support from the Coastal Land Trust, which partnered in both the purchase and restoration beginning in 2019.  

In 2025, after years of hard work and dedication, Reaves Chapel was formally rededicated to the Navassa community. This project preserved not only a historic structure, but also the stories, memories, and cultural legacy tied to it.  Today, Reaves Chapel stands as a living reminder of African American perserverance, faith, and community in the Cape Fear region, ensuring future generations will have a place to gather, remember, and continue its legacy.

AWARD OF MERIT

The Award of Merit honors an entity or endeavor that is not a piece of built history (i.e., a film, event, or website).

The Bulletin | Wilmington, NC

Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Inc.

Since its first publication in 1957, the Bulletin of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society has reflected the Society’s deep commitment to preserving and sharing the history of our region. Published several times throughout the year, the Bulletin became a respected source for original local history scholarship and featured the work of many distinguished researchers and historians, including Diane, Cashman, Ida B. Kellam, Merle Chamberlain, Alan Watson, Janet Seapker, and many others. Using primary source materials from the archives at Latimer House and beyond, the Bulletin’s writers helped bring the stories of the Lower Cape Fear to life for both scholars and everyday readers alike.

For nearly seven decades, the Bulletin has documented the people, places, architecture, and events that shaped our community and ensured those stories were not lost to time. Following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society revived the bulletin in 2024, along with a renewed vision that combines strong academic scholarship with accessible and engaging historical research. 

In honoring The Bulletin, we honor the many writers, editors, historians, researchers, and volunteers who believed that preserving history also means sharing it in an accessible format.

Past issues of The Bulletin are now available through the Latimer House website.

Oakdale Cemetery | Wilmington, NC

Eric Kozen

Established in 1852, Oakdale Cemetery is one of Wilmington’s most important historic landscapes. It is a place where history, artistry, and memory are woven into each path and monument.

Designed in the tradition of the great rural cemeteries, Oakdale has long served not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a place for reflection and beauty for our community. 

 Over time, many of the historic monuments throughout Oakdale have faced the natural effects of settling ground, shifting soils, intense weather, and structural instability. While these changes can happen slowly, they place these irreplaceable monuments at risk.

Oakdale Cemetery has undertaken the highly skilled work of stabilizing and securing the foundations beneath these monuments. This work has involved lifting and resetting structures, rebuilding bases, reinforcing support systems, and ensuring these memorials can continue to stand safely and with dignity for generations to come.

This is tedious, technical work, and while it is not the most visible form of preservation, it is among the most important. Preservation is not just about what we see, but also what sustains it and Oakdale Cemetery has exhibited extraordinary stewardship of one of Wilmington’s most treasured historic resources.

Cape Fear Garden Club | Wilmington, NC

In recognition of their Centennial Anniversary, the Historic Wilmington Foundation recognized the Cape Fear Garden Club for 100 years of service in our community. The Cape Fear Garden Club has shaped the beauty, character, and environmental stewardship of Wilmington and the greater Cape Fear region.

Founded in 1925 by a small group of visionary women, the club began with a simple but powerful belief: that thoughtful planting, civic engagement, and shared responsibility could improve a community for generations to come.

One of the Cape Fear Garden Club’s first civic efforts was supporting the City of Wilmington’s purchase and beautification of Greenfield lake in 1925, helping preserve what would become one of Wilmington’s most treasured public landscapes. That early project established a legacy of stewardship and community investment that continues today.

Over the decades, the Cape Fear Garden Club’s contributions have touched nearly every corner of our community. From establishing the beloved Azalea Garden Tour, which has raised more than $1.2 million for local nonprofits and beautification efforts, to supporting gardens, hospitals, schools, and public spaces, the club has consistently invested in the places that make Wilmington feel like home.

In addition to gardening, their work has included championing conservation efforts, protected important natural habitats including Battery Island, supported environmental education programs, and helped to create projects like the native urban garden at Riverfront Park. These efforts not only enhanced beauty, but also learning and connection. This is stewardship in its truest form: showing up decade after decade to care for the places we share and community we are a part of.

George W. Edwards Award

The George W. Edwards Award honors a volunteer, intern, or staff member demonstrating exemplary integrity and commitment on behalf of local preservation.

Cara Ward

Without Cara Ward, our Tar Heels Go Walking could not have happened in 2025. Cara created the schedule, communicated with all of the New Hanover County elementary schools, and coordinated with volunteers each week, all while working her full-time job and taking care of her family.

Patricia Wilson

In 2025, Patricia “Trisha” Wilson served as Historic Wilmington Foundation President and was called upon to go far above and beyond the typical role of president. Serving as volunteer interim director in addition to her presidential duties and full-time job, Trisha exemplified strong leadership and committment to the foundation.

Beverly Tetterton AWARD

The Beverly Tetterton Award recognizes someone for their significant scholarly and public contributions to the study, preservation, interpretation, and documentation of local history, architecture, records, and archives. Introduced in 2026.

Beverly Tetterton

There is nobody more fitting of receiving the first Beverly Tetterton Award than Beverly herself. Beverly has helped our community better understand and appreciate the architectural and historical legacy of Wilmington.

Beverly and her husband moved to Wilmington in the early 1980s, when they purchased and restored a home in the historic district at a time when it was unfashionable to do so. They were among the early pioneers of the preservation movement at a time when many of the downtown storefronts and buildings stood vacant or held adult bookstores and topless bars.

She began her Wilmington career at the New Hanover County Public Library, where she served as the local history and research librarian in the North Carolina Room, a role she would continue for 31 years. It was during this time that Beverly would become one of our region’s most respected historians and researchers. Ever the pioneer, Beverly also helped to create one of North Carolina’s first local-history digital collections, preserving thousands of historic photographs and records from the Lower Cape Fear Region.

Beverly served on numerous boards and organizations throughout her time in Wilmington, including the Bellamy Mansion, the Historic Wilmington Foundation, and the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. She joined our plaque program in the early 1980s and served as its chairperson for many years. Additionally, Beverly was appointed by the City to serve on the Wilmington Convention Center Arts and Decoration Committee, which was responsible for the gallery of historic photographs that continue to educate visitors and residents alike.

As an author and researcher, Beverly’s work has educated and inspired countless people through many books, including Strength Through Struggle, Wilmington: Lost But Not Forgotten, An African-American History Tour of Wilmington, and so many more. If you ever read a newspaper article about local history of preservation, Beverly was likely quoted as the trusted authority, and if you ever walked into the North Carolina Room looking for answers, she was there to assist you.

THOMAS & ELIZABETH WRIGHT AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

The Thomas & Elizabeth Wright Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes someone for lifelong dedication to historic preservation in the Lower Cape Fear Region.

Larry with his family and HWF Executive Director Carol Bullock

Through each role, Larry brought thoughtfulness, institutional knowledge, and a deep belief that preservation matters—not simply because old buildings are beautiful, but because they tell the story of who we are.

Many people may also know Larry through his remarkable artistic talent; through his paintings, he has captured the streets, storefronts, porches, light, and character of Wilmington with extraordinary care and sensitivity. Larry’s work reminds us that preservation is not just about structures: Preservation is about memory, atmosphere, and connection. Larry has taught us that ‘it is important to preserve the relationships between historic buildings because together they tell the story of a place.’

Few people have done more to help Wilmington see and appreciate that story more than Larry has. His impact on the Historic Wilmington Foundation is difficult to measure because it is woven into the organization itself: in the decisions made, the places protected, the people mentored, and the culture of stewardship he has helped to strengthen over decades.