Submitted by the Bronxville Historical Conservancy.

Dec. 14, 2016:  The Bronxville Historical Conservancy is pleased to announce that its 2016 Preservation Award will be awarded to Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, Inc. for its restoration of Prescott Farm Gate Lodge, historic headquarters of Lawrence Enterprises. The project was submitted by Houlihan Lawrence for its recent restoration of 4 Valley Road.

The award will be presented this evening to representatives of Houlihan Lawrence at The Bronxville Historical Conservancy's annual meeting and holiday reception at Siwanoy Country Club.

The Preservation Award Committee received several thorough and well-presented submissions on important projects, presenting the committee with a difficult decision. Thoughtful deliberation occurred over several meetings this fall, and the exterior restoration of the historic Gate Lodge emerged as a demonstration of excellence in terms of fidelity, sensitivity, and compatibility with the original design of the structure. The submissions were eventually put to vote by the committee, and the Gate Lodge was victorious.

The award committee included six professionals with expertise in a broad array of fields including art, architecture, interior and landscape design, and city planning. The committee members were Maureen Hackett, landscape designer; Anderson Kenny, architect; Stafford Meyer, interior designer; Sarah Underhill, freelance editor, writer, and art historian; Larry Vranka, lawyer and member of the Narragansett Historic Commission, Rhode Island; and Erin Saluti, co-chair of The Bronxville Historical Conservancy. Each possesses a passion for design and a commitment to community, and, together, they provide decades of experience in helping to shape and preserve our landscape.

Committee chair Erin Saluti expressed gratitude to all those who proposed projects: "The committee was truly honored to have received a set of such excellent proposals. It was obvious from the start that we faced a difficult task. The quality of submissions is testament to the commitment of stewardship and vibrancy of our community."

Nancy Seaman, chairman of Houlihan Lawrence, said, "We're proud of our Bronxville roots, and, despite our tremendous growth, have never lost sight of where we started. Restoring our historic headquarters was as much about honoring the past as it was reflecting our continued commitment to the community we've called home for nearly 130 years, and it's a true honor to have our efforts recognized with this prestigious award."

The Bronxville Historical Conservancy Preservation Award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that have strengthened the historic fabric of our community through their exceptional commitment to preserving an understanding of its rich past and unique character.  

Projects that demonstrate excellence in preservation, restoration, and conservation in the Village of Bronxville are recognized for this award. Award categories are architectural restoration; conservation of architectural elements; renovations and additions; garden and landscape design; craftsmanship and fine art; preservation of the historical record; and stewardship and advocacy.

The inaugural 2015 award was presented to People's United Bank for its restoration of the 1920s Gramatan National Bank clock.

Pictured here:  The Prescott Farm Gate Lodge.

Photo by N. Bower