2022 Historic Elmira Preservation Award Winners

Historic Elmira, Inc. Awards Two Local Winners at 12th Annual Preservation Awards

ELMIRA, NY - July 20, 2022 - Historic Elmira presented their 12th Annual Preservation Awards at an event held today at 200 East Church Street in Elmira at Ill Eagle Tap House where a project award was given to the Nicholas Difasi and Ryan Wieder for the historic restoration and preservation of the Federal Building. The awards ceremony was held on behalf of 2020 award recipients. The original ceremony scheduled for May of 2020 had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Historic Elmira annual Preservation Awards honor individuals and organizations for sensitive restoration and historic preservation within the Elmira area. Awards are given for two categories – Project and Advocate

An additional Project Award was also presented to Housing Visions – Chemung Crossings Project, and a George L. Howell Advocate Award was presented to the Chemung Chamber of Commerce for the Trolley into Twain County Tours.

"Every year we like to recognize people in Elmira who actively engage in historic preservation, sadly in 2020 and again in 2021 we had to postpose the event,” states Michael P. Hosey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Historic Elmira, Inc. “We were excited to hold the event today and provide recognition to these individuals for their hard work and dedication to historic restoration and preservation. Historic Elmira, Inc. is an organization of community-minded preservationists with a clear understanding that historic preservation is directly linked to economic revitalization and enhancing the quality of life in Elmira,"

The Project Award recognizes historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse projects in the Elmira area that contribute to the appearance, character, and value of our local neighborhoods and community.

The George L. Howell Advocate Award celebrates government officials, community leaders, local business owners, journalists, and private citizens who passionately value and demonstrate their advocacy for our historic and architectural heritage through active involvement in the community. The Advocate Award is also open to groups or organizations currently engaged in promoting historic preservation in the Elmira area.

Hosey also recognized their newly appointed President of the Board of Trustees, Jennifer Herrick. Herrick is also the President of the Chemung Chamber of Commerce and presented the awards during today’s ceremony. Herrick is a longtime resident of Chemung County and native of Elmira, N.Y.

"We will continue to encourage advocates on their historic preservation pursuits, and we will do our part to elevate the visibility of the projects - helping to ensure that our past has a future in Elmira," stated Herrick.