2024 Heritage Awards
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Heritage Awards. We look forward to seeing everyone in Vicksburg on June 6th for the Heritage Awards at the Listen Up! Conference.
2022 Heritage Award Winners
The Banker’s House, Natchez
After purchasing this National Historic Landmark, Mark Diamond and Kevin Stone got to work repairing plaster and stucco inside and out, installing new mechanical systems and rehabbing the kitchen and bathrooms. As part of the garden restoration, the original slate walkways were repaired and the original iron fence replicated to create a new parking area. This project was nominated by the Historic Natchez Foundation and, in the words of director Carter Burns, the results are glorious.
Knox House, Kilmichael
With fond memories of enjoying tea on the porch with Ms. Knox as a little girl, Melissa Lott could not resist the call of owning this 162-year old house when it came up for sale while she was home visiting for her 20th high school reunion. Working with Belinda Stewart Architects, the Knox House was restored to become a lovely venue for weddings. After deciding to move home permanently in 2021, the team got back together to reimagine the kitchen and pantry. Melissa can now welcome friends for tea on the lovely front porch in the manner of Ms. Knox.
Stewart House, Kilmichael
When Luanne and Van Stewart decided to move back to Luanne’s childhood home of Kilmichael, their search for the perfect historic home led them to a Victorian cottage that had been the setting for their first wedding shower in 1976. It took some doing but Belinda Stewart Architects found the right contractor, Dewayne Orr, to ensure that the home’s historic character was brought back to life.
Dunleith, Natchez
Constructed in 1856, Dunleith was once a point of pride for Natchez but had fallen on hard times. Mike Blattner and Joe Jaeger took up the challenge of reinventing this National Historic Landmark to become a signature property in their J. Collection of hotels. With the help of state and federal historic tax credits, Dunleith now sports a new roof, repaired columns and a complete interior restoration.
Threefoot Building, Meridian
I am happy to report that the Threefoot Building is now a graduate of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places and the nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. On January 6, 2022, Ascent Hospitality cut the ribbon on the newest Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Constructed in 1929 and boasting some of the finest terra cotta tilework around, one of Mississippi’s first skyscrapers is now ready to welcome guests.
Spencer Building, Senatobia
Once a bustling pharmacy and soda shop, the Spencer Building sat vacant for years until Mollie and John Spencer brought it back to life utilizing historic tax credits to become Community Pharmacy and Mac and Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, with a cool loft apartment on the second floor. In the words of Jamie Sowell, director of Senatobia Main Street, families are once again flocking to downtown Senatobia to enjoy ice cream in this beautiful historic building.
Square View, Grenada
Thanks to Nell and Keith Bloodworth, this dignified corner building on Grenada’s square once again boasts a corner entrance. The three-year restoration took these 200-year old structures back to their roots and included the restoration of a stamped metal ceiling, original mantles, a grand staircase and doors still emblazoned with the names of former second-floor tenants. Square View is now home to four apartments, Grenada Dermatology and Keith’s office.
The Lofts at Lee and the Lyceum at Lee, Columbus
The late Scott Berry, Lee High Class of 1971, saw a bright future for this equalization school that was constructed in 1953. After it sat vacant for a decade, Scott purchased the building from the City of Columbus and set out to create 23 apartments in old classrooms and an entertainment venue in the old auditorium utilizing historic tax credits. The results are enlightening.
Hotel 27, Greenville
Home to the Levee Board for over a century, this 1883 building had fallen on hard times when it was acquired by Main Street Greenville and restored to become the centerpiece for its ambitious plans for downtown revitalization. Hotel 27 is the only hotel in Mississippi that is owned by a non-profit, with proceeds fueling the restoration of additional historic buildings.
Simmons House, Water Valley
Jerri Anne and Gil Davis have poured their hearts into the restoration of the Simmons House. Now a beautiful inn and event venue, the restoration of this 1871 beauty took six years to complete. In the words of Alyssa Benedict, one of the motivating factors for the Davises was to give Water Valley a place they could be proud of-what a wonderful gift to their community.
Smith Drug Company, Hattiesburg
Established in 1925 by E. Hammond Smith, Smith Drug Co. was a centerpiece of the African American commercial district located around Mobile Street. In addition to selling much-needed goods, the store became a focal point for Civil Rights activities in the 1960s. Vacant since 1996, Smith Drug Co. was acquired by the City of Hattiesburg in 2020 and meticulously restored by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission to become a part of the Sixth Street Museum District.
Bolivar Multipurpose Expo Complex, Cleveland
Long home to agricultural and livestock showings, Bolivar County saw the opportunity to reimagine the Bolivar Multipurpose Expo Complex as a place that all community members could enjoy. Belinda Stewart Architects kicked into high gear restoring this 58,500 square foot complex to become a home for galas and concerts as well as rodeos. Partners in the project included the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce and the Bolivar County Extension Service.
Marshall County Courthouse, Holly Springs
When Marshall County engaged Belinda Stewart Architects to assess the condition of their 1870 courthouse, the first order of business was to replace the failing roof and ensure that the lovely cupola housing a clock and bell was restored. This community centerpiece is ready for the next 150 years with a new electronic controller, 4-way clock movement with brass gearing, new shaft drives and metal hands.
CCC Lodge at Percy Quin State Park, McComb
Thanks to a $700,000 interior and exterior restoration, the Civilian Conservation Corps Lodge at Percy Quin State Park is once again ready to welcome guests. Under the guidance of Waycaster and Associates, years of insensitive changes were stripped away, rotten wood repaired and original lighting restored.
LaPointe-Krebs House, Pascagoula
The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the LaPointe-Krebs House has been beset by storm damage and voracious termites in recent years. Thanks to a meticulous, multi-phase restoration guided by architectural conservator George Fore, architects Larry Albert and Robby Brushaber and contractor J.O. Collins, this architectural treasure is once again ready to welcome guests to learn about early life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The house is owned by the LaPointe-Krebs Foundation, which partnered with the City of Pascagoula, Jackson County Board of Supervisors, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area and the Mississippi Legislature to complete the restoration.
Everest, Water Valley
Vacant for over 30 years, the old Rice Stix Factory has found new life as Everest, a world-class education and innovation hub. Under the guidance of Kagan Coughlin, the 64,000 square-foot building was restored utilizing a variety of funding sources, including historic tax credits. Today, young coders learn their trade at Base Camp Coding Academy, Northwest Mississippi Community College operates a satellite campus, Yalobusha County Economic Development courts new enterprises and a business incubator hums with new ideas at Everest.
Pix-Capri Theater, Jackson
The $13 million dollar transformation of the former Pix Capri Theater and adjacent buildings into an entertainment center that includes Highball Lanes bistro and bowling alley, the Pearl tiki bar and the Capri Theater was many years in the making. Utilizing incentives including historic tax credits, developers Jason Watkins and David Pharr worked closely with restauranteur Robert St. John and architects WBA to reinvent this place at the heart of the Jackson neighborhood of Fondren into a bustling community destination.
The Raymond Venue, Raymond
In 2019, Kim Porch set her sights on the “old Ford dealership” and the rest is history. Utilizing historic tax credits, owner Gaddis Farm undertook a two-year restoration effort to turn the commercial building into an event venue and shop. Partnering with Kim to bring big ideas to life are Leah Pinnix and Tara Stigall. After two years of operation, the Raymond Venue is racking up awards such as best new wedding venue for 2022.
Buildings of Mississippi
Part of the Society of Architectural Historians Buildings of the United States series, the Buildings of Mississippi was written by Jennifer Baughn and the late Michael Fazio, with contributions by Mimi Miller. Published in 2021, this labor of love is now an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to learn more about Mississippi’s architectural treasures.
Zoo Area Progressive Partnership, Jackson
Founded in 1990, the Zoo Area Progressive Partnership is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to beautifying the Capitol Street Corridor and Jackson Zoo. Members donate their time to support the zoo, which is one of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, and its neighborhood through landscaping and public arts projects, advocacy and volunteerism.
Byhalia Area Arts Council
Founded in 2011 to support and enhance cultural arts opportunities for all residents of Marshall County, the Byhalia Area Arts Council saw the vacant Byhalia High School as the perfect venue to achieve its mission. Working with Belinda Stewart Architects, the organization has involved the City of Byhalia, Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Main Street Association, Mississippi Department of Archives and History and many of Byhalia’s citizens to complete the initial restoration phase of what will become Byhalia Old School Commons.
Rodney History and Preservation Society
Listed as endangered in 2003, the Rodney Presbyterian Church was close to collapse in 2018 when the Rodney History and Preservation Society was formed to take on the challenge of saving this almost 200-year old Mississippi Landmark. The first task was to enlist noted architect Robert Parker Adams to prepare plans for the stabilization of the south wall, followed in short order by the restoration of the bell tower. Cemetery clean-up days have helped to build advocacy for a bright future for Rodney.
University Museum, Rowan Oak, Oxford
For over 20 years, the University of Mississippi Museum has been the steward of Rowan Oak. Constructed in the 1840s by Colonel Robert Sheegog, the Greek Revival house was purchase by renown author William Faulkner one hundred years later and was his family home until it donated to the University of Mississippi by his widow in 1972. Visitors to Rowan Oak today can immerse themselves in the world of William Faulkner and wander the beautifully restored grounds.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus
Constructed in 1937, Harrison Hall on the Perkinston Campus of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College had served as a dorm for both women and men until in April of 2018, the building was rededicated as the District Administration Complex after an extensive restoration. Harrison Hall is a gem of the campus, which contains numerous other historic properties. The college administration have demonstrated a strong commitment to the preservation of the architectural character of the campus.
Wayne Timmer
Wayne Timmer loves historic buildings. This love has shown through his career as an architect and community leader since moving to Jackson in 1983. Wayne formed the firm WFT Architects in 1987 and has led many preservation projects and efforts over the years until his retirement in 2019. Wayne’s longtime colleague Lawson Newman describes Wayne’s career as one of humble and faithful service to his clients, to his profession and to his city and state.
The Honorable Isla Tullos
In 1991, Isla Tullos and her husband Max bought an antebellum house on the square in Raymond and spent the next two years restoring it. As Isla puts it, she spent many hours on the square during the restoration day-dreaming about “what could be”, which led her to run for mayor in 1997, a position she has held ever since. A former president of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, Isla is the first to step forward to help in any capacity, whether it is weeding the flower beds surrounding Raymond’s iconic water tower or figuring out how to save Raymond’s rich architectural heritage.
Charles Sullivan
Charles Sullivan has made it his life’s work to preserve the history of Mississippi. As professor emeritus and the first and only archivist at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he has also made the preservation of the historic buildings on the Perkinston campus top priority. His pride in the extensive photograph and document collection in the archives is matched only by his delight in showing visitors around “his” college. Charles has spent 53 of his 77 years at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-time well spent, according to him.
The Honorable Trey Lamar
Mississippi is lucky to have legislators like Chairman Trey Lamar who recognize the importance historic preservation in furthering community development. Chairman Lamar has long been a champion of the 25% Mississippi Historic Tax Credit, which has helped to bring over 300 historic residential and commercial buildings back to life since it was first enacted in 2006. In the recent legislative session, Chairman Lamar spearheaded efforts to fund Mississippi Main Street Association’s revitalization grant program, which will further preservation efforts in our progressive Main Street communities.
City of Hattiesburg
By adopting a historic preservation ordinance in 1985 and becoming a Certified Local Government in 1988, the City of Hattiesburg has a long history of making preservation a priority. Hattiesburg now proudly boasts six historic districts that are locally and nationally designated. With this strong preservation ethic, there have been numerous recent rehabilitation projects throughout the city, including the Saenger Theater and the old Hattiesburg High School. The City of Hattiesburg cites its commitment to partnerships as the key to the strength and success of its preservation efforts, with groups like the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, Visit Hattiesburg, the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art and the Hattiesburg Convention Commission making sure Hattiesburg’s historic buildings have a future.
Phoenix Naval Stores Paymaster’s Office, Turkey Creek, Gulfport
When the Phoenix Naval Stores Paymaster’s Office in the Turkey Creek neighborhood of Gulfport was listed as one of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2015, the future of this community landmark looked dim. Purchased by Derrick Evans in an effort to prevent its demolition, this building that speaks to the African American experience is now beautifully restored as a museum and community center thanks to a partnership including the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program, Turkey Creek Community Initiatives, the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, unabridged Architecture and Rip Daniels Construction. To learn more about this project, please pick up a copy of the Spring issue of Elevation.