2006 Preservation Awards and Certificates

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In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Rock Island Preservation Society is pleased to present its annual Historic Preservation Awards and Certificates of Recognition.

Each year the Rock Island Preservation Society honors individuals, groups and businesses who have made special efforts to preserve or restore historic structures in our community or whose actions have served to support historic preservation in Rock Island.

This year we honor 2 churches, four homes for their porch restoration, a program that combines training with neighborhood preservation, an unveiling, an adaptive reuse and a journalist who brought the stories of the people, the buildings and the neighborhoods to life. In addition to recognizing the individual projects and persons honored, we would like to focus on how their work enriched our community.

Award Winners

House at 702 21st Street
Honorees: Marsha & Michael Coakley
804 2nd Street, Colona, IL 61241

Anyone driving across 7th Avenue could not help but notice the unveiling of this historic home which is not used as an apartment house. Inappropriate modern shingles were removed. When ornate moldings and paneled trim were uncovered, they were restored. Missing and damaged clapboard was replaced extensively with matching new wood. A photograph of this home that appeared in Picturesque Tri-Cities shows the house in its original glory. We commend the Coakleys for their unveiling and the reminder of the stately early days of this home.

Voss Brothers Lofts
2125 3rd Avenue
Honoree: Rock Island Economic Growth Corp.
Award will be accepted by Brian Hollanbeck

In an example of what is called Adaptive Reuse, the adjoining structures of the former Voss Brothers moving company warehouse were converted into loft-style apartments. The multimillion dollar project created 35 units ranging in size from studio to 3-bedrooms that include every income level. Common areas available to residents include a community room, exercise room, computer room as well as storage facilities.

This adaptive reuse ensured that the energy and materials invested in construction decades ago were not sent to a landfill. Moreover this project introduces a residential area into eastern downtown and can act as a catalyst for the development and preservation of nearby historic structures.

Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation has been honored for their projects many times over the years. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to historic preservation in Rock Island.

First United Methodist Church
1820 5th Avenue
Accepting this award will be Bob Applegate and other congregation members

The once dusty jewels in six historic stained glass windows on the east side of First United Methodist Church shine brightly again. The sagging windows were removed and taken to Bovard Studios in Fairfield, Iowa, where they were disassembled and cleaned, and releaded. Then they were reinstalled in the church behind a clear protective exterior glazing.

First United Methodist Church was built in 1890 and these windows, made in Philadelphia, date from that time. The triptych of 18-foot tall windows with images of Christ's nativity, ascension, and welcoming of children, was donated as a memorial to Eliza and John Spencer, early Rock Island pioneers who founded this congregation, by their three children. A fourth window of similar size showing Jesus as the Good Shepherd was given in memorial to Harriet Sweeney by her husband, Edward D. Sweeney.

We honor the congregation of First United Methodist Church for their care and preservation of these beautiful windows.

Trinity Church
1816 6th Avenue
Accepting the award: Fr. Steven McClasky

An extensive exterior restoration was completed, most of it on the original portion of the church building, which was completed in 1869. Wood trim, including dozens of small decorative brackets under the east gable and the curved arch trim around the tower windows, was removed for repair and/or replacement. Old paint was stripped and then the wood was replaced and painted.

Window sashes in the tower were also rebuilt to be identical to the originals. This quality restoration involved a great deal of meticulous hand carpentry. To further protect this historic treasure, new sprinkler and fire alarm systems were installed.

We honor the congregation of Trinity Church for their continued commitment to quality craftsmanship and the preservation of their church building.

Changing over time in both form and function, the porch has found a place in virtually every style of American domestic architecture. Beginning more as a ceremonial portico, a symbol of wealth and welcome, porches grew in size and popularity. In the days before phones, the porch was the setting for the exchange of news and opinions. It was the gathering place for friends and neighbors. It served as the focal point for lavish social functions. But with the coming of the automobile, the suburbs and air conditioning, the importance of the front porch took a back seat to the patio.

Today the owners of older homes with wonderful grand porches have rediscovered the human and social importance of these structures. Maintenance and restoration of these intricate outdoor rooms is often a labor of love. But in the end the homeowner, the neighborhood and the community as a whole is richer for the efforts. This year we honor those who honor the architecture of their front porch.

1851 30th Street
Honorees: Joyce and Peron Tew

In this style appropriate porch restoration a deteriorated gabled front portico was rebuilt on a classic Georgian Colonial home. The curved ceiling, that follows a rounded transom above the front door, was replicated. These details highlight the fan light and side lights surrounding the front door.