On January 31, Preserve Arkansas hosted its annual Arkansas Preservation Awards dinner and program to honor individuals and organizations for projects focused on historic preservation, education, and advocacy throughout the state. Honorees and guests celebrated with a reception and banquet at the Robinson Center in Little Rock, followed by a program recognizing Jill Judy and Mark Brown as well as 20 outstanding preservation projects. Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock from 2006 to 2019, served as emcee for the event.
Click here to see photos from the event.
Named in honor of Preserve Arkansas’s founding president, the Parker Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes significant achievements in historic preservation over a period of years. The award may be presented to individuals, organizations, businesses, or public agencies whose activities may be of local, statewide, or national importance. The 2024 Parker Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement goes to Jill Judy and Mark Brown of Little Rock.
Since their arrival in Little Rock in 2006, Jill Judy and Mark Brown have significantly impacted the revitalization of the city’s downtown through numerous restoration projects. They have meticulously restored 59 buildings, ranging from small homes to grand historic structures, all within a few miles of each other. Their portfolio expanded to include some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, notably two historic schools that have been beautifully restored and now epitomize the best of downtown living. Despite facing challenges, Jill and Mark have remained steadfast in their commitment to seeing each restoration through to completion. Their determination, coupled with their strong partnerships with stakeholders, has been key to their success.
Beyond their own projects, Jill and Mark have generously shared their knowledge and experience. Jill has mentored aspiring restorers over countless cups of coffee, helping them navigate the complexities of historic preservation. And their dedication extends beyond preservation. They have invested in their community and neighbors, selling properties to former apartment residents and helping them take first steps toward homeownership. With a philosophy that there’s enough opportunity for everyone, they have fostered a culture of inclusivity and shared success.
Their passion for downtown Little Rock, combined with their commitment to its historic preservation, has left an indelible mark on the city, securing their legacy as stewards of its rich history and vibrant future.
Download a PDF of 2024 Arkansas Preservation Award Recipients.
| W. L. Cook Award for Excellence in Heritage Preservation – Award | Jamie Simmons, Texarkana
For her 30 years of museum and preservation work |
| W. L. Cook Award for Excellence in Heritage Preservation – Honorable Mention | Davis Videos, Lincoln
For the Benton County Oral History Project |
| Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation – Award | House at 121 N. Park Street, Little Rock
Owner: Capitol Properties of Arkansas Contractor: Tanner Worley |
| Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation – Award | Forrest Apartments, 204 Exchange Street, Hot Springs
Owner: Francisco and Leah Arango Architect: Taylor/Kempkes Architects Contractor: Natural State General Contractors |
| Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation – Award | E. O. Manees Building II, 315 Main Street, North Little Rock
Owner: John Chandler Architect: SCM Architects Contractor: Austin Brothers Construction |
| Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation – Award | RiverBank, 203 W. Broadway, Pocahontas
Owner: Kyle Baltz Architect: Tommy Jameson Contractor: Kyle Baltz |
| Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation – Honorable Mention | Ridge House, 230 W. Center Street, Fayetteville
Owner: Washington County Historical Society John Firmin, Property Management Chair Lee Anne Wiederkehr, Project Manager Architects/Designers: Valeria Gibertoni & Lee Anne Wiederkehr Contractors: Gustavo Becerra of GB Painting, Royal McCloyen & Matt Sindelar |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Award | Brothers Residence, 665 N. Gray Avenue, Fayetteville
Owner: McKee Properties, LLC Architect: David W. McKee Architect Contractor: David W. McKee Architect |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Award | Calico Riverview Inn, 100 Rodman Street, Calico Rock
Owner: Tracy Owens, Cathy Beard, and Ben Owens, Jr. Contractor: Tracy Owens, Cathy Beard, and Ben Owens, Jr. |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Award | Fulk Estate Building, 609 Main Street, Little Rock
Owner: John Chandler Architect: SCM Architects Contractor: Austin Brothers Construction |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Award | Kirby-Colburn House, Hwy. 45, Cane Hill
Owner: Historic Cane Hill Architect: WER Architects Contractor: Wagner General Contractors |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Honorable Mention | Dunbar Middle School Window Restoration Project, 1100 Wright Ave., Little Rock
Owner: Little Rock School District Architect: WER Architects Contractor: Wagner General Contractors |
| Excellence in Preservation through Restoration – Honorable Mention | Garland County Circuit Courtroom Restoration, 501 Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs
Owner: Garland County, Arkansas Architect: Taylor/Kempkes Architects Contractor: Harrison Construction Company, Inc. |
| Outstanding Achievement in Preservation Education – Award | UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture, Mapping Little Rock History Digital Humanities Project |
| Outstanding Achievement in Preservation Education – Honorable Mention | Arkansas Archeological Survey, Towards Achieving Curation Literacy program |
| Excellence in Personal Projects – Award | Scott Jones, Little Rock
For the Martin-Tunnah-Fulk House triple-hung window restoration project |
| Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse – Award | Plunkett-Jarrell Grocer Co. Building, 150 Creek Street, Hot Springs
Owner: Noah Lloyd Architect: Taylor/Kempkes Architects Contractor: Harrison Construction Company, Inc. |
| Outstanding Service in Neighborhood Preservation – Award | City of Little Rock Dept. of Planning and Development
For the MacArthur Park Local Historic District Viewer |
| Outstanding New Construction in a Historic Setting – Award | Justice Building Addition and Renovation, 625 Marshall Street, Little Rock
Owner: Administrative Office of the Courts and TSS-Division of Building Authority Architect: AMR Architects with Brackett-Krennerich Architects Contractor: Wagner General Contractors |
| Outstanding Preservation Reporting in the Media – Award | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Reporter Bill Bowden, Fayetteville
For his extensive coverage of historic places and preservation efforts |
Justice David and Mrs. Carolyn Newbern
Jim and Kathy Boyette
Joe Fox and Lia Lent
Dr. George Betts
Lester and Joy Matlock
Robert Blair
