WBMA News 2009 (PDF format)

Announcements

HISTORIC DISTRICTS COUNCIL LANDMARKS LION AWARD

On October 29th the Historic Districts Council presented its 2008 Twentieth Anniversary Landmarks Lion Award to Walter B. Melvin of Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC. As New York City's landmarks advocate, the Council presents the Landmarks Lion Award each year to a person who has made a significant contribution to preservation. Mr. Melvin was honored in recognition of his 40 years of work in building preservation. Not only has Mr. Melvin developed details, methods and techniques that have become standard practice among preservationists, but many successful architects now in private practice gained valuable experience in his office. He has done much to foster understanding in the field of preservation during the course of his career while playing a key role in the restoration of over 800 historic buildings in and around New York City.

The Award Ceremony was held at Bridgewaters Restaurant at the South Street Seaport historic district. Attended by 250 supporters, including many staff members from Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC, former Historic District Council Lions, architects, contractors, and representatives of many preservation organizations, it was one of the largest such events sponsored by the Historic Districts Council. Three co-chairs presented the award: Harold S. Spitzer, AIA, of Spitzer & Associates, P.C., Susan Tunick, Founder of the Friends of Terra Cotta, and Samuel G. White, FAIA, of Platt, Byard, Dovell, White, LLP. In accepting the award, Mr. Melvin expressed his gratitude to his partners and staff, and to the many skilled craftsmen he had learned from in the field.