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Orchids & Onions

Orchids & OnionsSince 1977, Preservation Idaho has hosted the annual Orchids & Onions Awards, a ceremony designed to celebrate those individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to historic preservation, and in turn, to bring awareness to those projects which have shown an insensitivity to historic preservation.

Nominations

Preservation Idaho is now accepting nominations for the 33rd Annual Orchids and Onions Awards. Nominations are due by March 15, 2010. Award recipients will be honored at an awards celebration in Boise in May 2010.

  • Download the nomination form now (pdf)!

Orchid Award Categories

Orchids are outstanding examples of preservation projects or practices that can be awarded in the following categories:

  • Excellence in Historic Preservation:
    Awarded to projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards in preservation, restoration, renovation, or adaptive reuse (residential or commercial.)
  • Contribution to Historic Preservation:
    Awarded to projects that have been successful in the tasteful restoration, addition, or remodel of an existing building (residential or commercial.)
  • Preservation-Sensitive New Construction:
    Awarded to new construction that enhances a historic neighborhood or historical theme (residential or commercial.)
  • Friend of Preservation:
    Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This would include, but would not be limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies or museums.
  • Distinguished Preservationist:
    Awarded to professionals distinguished for service in historic preservation. Nominees for this award would be those whose job it is to further the cause of Historic Preservation in Idaho through direct projects or education.
  • Cultural Heritage Preservation:
    Awarded to educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.
  • Heritage Stewardship:
    Awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.

Onions

Onions are examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation that can be awarded in the following categories:

  • Individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites
  • New construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood’s history.

Judging

Each year, an impartial jury is appointed by Preservation Idaho to review all nominations. This jury is typically made up of architects, preservationists, and historians. Evaluations are based upon information submitted in the nomination application.

Past Awards

 

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