The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its Preservation Honor Award for the restoration of the Micro Lofts at the Arcade Providence.  The project is one of 17 award winners e honored by the National Trust during its 2014 Past Forward National Preservation Conference in Savannah, Ga.

Built in 1828, the Providence Arcade, designed by Russell Warren and James Bucklin, was America’s first indoor shopping mall. The Greek Revival building boasts Ionic columns, as well as granite, iron, and marble features. The Arcade survived fires, hurricanes, demolition threats, and economic downturns over the years. It was shuttered in 2008, prompting the Providence Preservation Society to place it on the organization’s 10 Most Endangered Properties list.

In 2012, Northeast Collaborative Architects unveiled a $7 million adaptive reuse project to help restore the landmark. The renovation created 48 Micro Lofts and 17 Micro Retail spaces in the Arcade and helped address Providence’s affordable  housing shortage.

“While each is unique, this year’s outstanding Honor Award winners all reflect the importance of protecting our nation’s cultural heritage,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  “Whether it’s the restoration of a center for African American studies in Savannah, or the preservation of the iconic Green Mountain Lookout in Washington state, this year’s Honor Award winners demonstrate how saving places is bolstering local economies and helping preserve the unique fabric of communities throughout the country.”

The award was presented to Northeast Collaborative Architects at the Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Awards ceremony in Savannah, Ga., on November 13, 2014.  The co-recipient of this award is Evan Granoff, 130 Westminster Street Associates.

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizens’ attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.

 The 2014 National Preservation Award Winners:

Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: John H. Bryan, Chicago, IL.

National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation: Owe’neh Bupingeh Preservation Project, Owe’neh Bupingeh, NM.

The American Express Aspire Award: Recognizing Emerging Leaders in Historic Preservation: Josh Rogers of Newtown Macon, Macon, GA.

Peter H. Brink Award for Individual Achievement in Historic Preservation: Bernice Radle of Buffalove Development, Buffalo, NY.

National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation: Iberville Offsites, New Orleans, LA.

Trustees’ Award forOutstanding Achievement in Public Policy: Green Mountain Lookout, Darrington, WA.

The Tony Goldman Preservation Award: Williamsburgh Savings Bank, Brooklyn, NY.

TheTrustee Award for Organizational Excellence: Preservation North Carolina, Raleigh, NC.

Trustees Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites: Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, Seattle, WA.

THE 2014 NATIONAL PRESERVATION HONOR AWARD WINNERS:

East Feliciana Parish Courthouse, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Forum, Inglewood, California

Historic Old Administration Building, Fresno, California

King Street Station, Seattle, Washington

McGregor Pool Restoration, Detroit, Michigan

Micro Lofts at the Arcade Providence, Providence, Rhode Island

Village Revitalization Initiative, State of Vermont

The Walter O. Evans Center for African American Studies at the SCAD Museum of Art Savannah, Georgia

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places. www.PreservationNation.org