Washington, D.C. (October 19, 2010)—The National Trust for Historic Preservation will present its Preservation Honor Award for the King Edward Revitalization Project in Jackson, Miss. The project is one of 23 award winners to be honored by the National Trust during its 2010 National Preservation Conference next week in Austin, Texas.
Since it first opened in 1923, the King Edward Hotel has dominated Jackson, Mississippi's downtown skyline. The Neoclassic hotel was once the city's social hub, welcoming everyone from state legislators to bright-eyed debutantes. But in 1967, the hotel closed its doors—and for the next 40 years, this 12-story landmark was a vacant eyesore, wind whistling through its broken windows, its once-elegant interiors crumbling into ruin.
Despite numerous failed attempts to restore the landmark building and in the face of calls for its demolition, HRI Properties of New Orleans embarked on an ambitious renovation project in 2006. In addition to missing windows, holes in the roof and extensive water damage, the developers had to contend with hundreds of pigeons that had taken up residence in the hotel. Although time, weather and vandalism had destroyed many historic features, they've all been gloriously brought back to life. Missing and damaged plaster was replicated, the original ballroom was re-created using historic photos and the handsome lobby rotunda that had been covered decades ago was re-opened.
Today, the restored King Edward rooftop sign shines over a building that houses a 186-room hotel with meeting space, restaurants and 64 luxury apartments. The project, completed in 2009, is credited with spurring rehabilitation activity in other historic buildings nearby. HRI recently restored and opened the adjacent Standard Life building into apartments that will operate as a single entity with the King Edward Apartments.
"From ruin to renaissance: That is the story of the King Edward Hotel," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Historic preservation is a powerful tool for revitalizing communities, and there is no better example of that than the rebirth of Jackson's landmark hotel."
The 2010 National Preservation Awards are sponsored by American Express. Timothy J. McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation, said, "Congratulations to all 23 award recipients for their extraordinary work in protecting America's heritage. As American Express expands its commitment to historic preservation, we're honored to recognize the dedicated individuals who are saving places that matter across the nation."
The award will be presented to Pres Kabacoff of HRI Properties at the National Preservation Awards ceremony in Austin, Texas, on Friday, October 29, at 6PM CST. Co-recipient of the award is Mayor Harvey Johnson, City of Jackson.
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 citizen 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 in the January/February issue of Preservation Magazine and online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.