2026 Heritage Awards Announcement
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP)Phone: 941-254-3002Email: info@preservesrq.org
The 2026 Sarasota County Heritage Awards Honor Local Excellence in Historic Preservation
(January 2, 2026) — The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) has announced 11 honorees of the annual Sarasota County Heritage Awards, recognizing excellence in historic preservation, research, education and stewardship throughout the County. The award winners include individuals, organizations and project teams that have dedicated themselves to maintaining, restoring and promoting the structures that reflect Sarasota’s past. Awardees will be honored at SAHP’s Heritage Awards Dinner on April 30, 2026.
“We are proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of these award winners,” said Dave Baber, chairman of the SAHP board of directors. “Each project demonstrates how preserving history can enhance our future as a city and county.”
Established in 2017 by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County and now directed by SAHP, the Heritage Awards celebrate a wide range of preservation achievements—from the sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures to scholarly research and publications, to outstanding individual leadership, skilled craftsmanship, and organizational advocacy. Together, the award recipients and nominees reflect the depth, diversity, and collaborative spirit of Sarasota County’s preservation community.
2026 Award Recipients
Click on each to learn more
Award Recipient: Todd Sweet, Sweet Sparkman Architecture and InteriorsSweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, under the direction of Todd Sweet, is recognized for their leadership in the restoration and renovation of the Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, which was originally designed in 1926 by architect M. Leo Elliott. Sweet Sparkman completed a thoughtful restoration that preserves the school’s architectural integrity while supporting
continued modern educational use. SAHP’s selection committee also acknowledges the commitment of the Sarasota County School Board in the preservation of this important structure. The Heritage Awards jury noted “the long-term commitment by both the architect and the client to the community,” citing the project’s enduring civic and educational impact.
Award Recipients: Mark and Lorrie BogartDesigned by Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph, the Lamolithic House exemplifies innovative mid-century construction and careful rehabilitation and restoration. Built in 1948 and associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture, the home is notable for its experimental construction and architectural significance. The award recognizes Mark and Lorrie Bogarts’ preservation-minded rehabilitation that retained and restored character-defining historic features and materials while strengthening the house for continued use and long-term resilience. The jury noted that work demonstrates “deep respect for historic fabric and careful adherence to preservation standards.”
Award Recipients: Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources; Fred and Grace Whitehouse, Friends of Sarasota County ParksThis award recognizes the extraordinary multi-year, public-private collaboration between Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, and the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, under the leadership of Fred and Grace Whitehouse, who were both committed to restoring this important remainder of early Sarasota. The Whitehouses initiated the farmers market at Phillippi Creek in 2013 to help fund the project, an initiative that raised almost $500,000 to support this effort. The completion of the restoration of the farmhouse was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April of 2025. The jury recognized this project as a model collaboration between county staff, preservation professionals, and community partners.
Award Recipients: Paul and Michelle van DeventerThis award recognizes Paul and Michelle van Deventer for their rehabilitation and stewardship of this historic residence in Sarasota. The van Deventers’ commitment was to preserve the historic character of the home while updating it for contemporary living. Their work reflects best practices in preservation and demonstrates how private owners can lead by example in protecting Sarasota’s historic neighborhoods. The jury commended the homeowners’ commitment to preserving this historic residence despite intense development pressure in Laurel Park.
Award Recipient: Hall Darling Design StudioHall Darling Design Studio is recognized for its work in the repair and restoration work of the historic elements on the exterior of the Sarasota County Terrace Building. Partnering with Sarasota County’s preservation experts, the design team recruited skilled artisans knowledgeable in a wide range of trades to painstakingly restore this ornate exterior. The jury highlighted the exceptional quality of traditional craftsmanship evident in the exterior restoration.
Award Recipients: Kim Patton Manning and John D. ManningThis award recognizes Kim Patton Manning and John D. Manning’s extensive historical research and their ability to present Sarasota County history in an engaging, accessible publication. By combining well-sourced content with a question-and-answer format, the work strengthens public understanding of local history and encourages further exploration of Sarasota’s people, places, and events. The Mannings’ publication was praised for its accessible, well-researched presentation of Sarasota County history.
Award Recipient: Esther HortonThe Lillian Burns Individual Achievement Award honors sustained personal leadership that advances historic preservation in Sarasota County. This recognition celebrates Esther Horton’s decades of service, advocacy, and educational programming in the Englewood and Lemon Bay community, including her leadership in protecting significant historic resources and expanding public appreciation for local history.
Award Recipient: South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood AssociationThe award recognizes the association’s community-based leadership and public education efforts that elevate awareness of South Poinsettia Park’s historic character. Through preservation advocacy and celebratory events such as the neighborhood homes tour, the organization has strengthened stewardship and inspired broader support for Sarasota’s historic residential neighborhoods. The jury applauded this resident-led initiative for engaging nearly 500 participants across eight historic homes. It was seen as a replicable model for community-driven preservation.
Award Recipients: City of Venice; Black Gold Coffee Roasters; Venice HeritageThis award recognizes the successful preservation and adaptive use of one of Venice’s most significant historic structures—the Lord-Higel House. Through a long-term, collaborative effort between the City of Venice, Black Gold Coffee Roasters and Venice Heritage, the Lord-Higel House has been returned to active public use as a community gathering place while retaining its historic character and interpretive value. A jury member observed, “I went in there this morning, and I was in awe. It’s perfection.”
Award Recipient: Kristine ZiedinaThis award recognizes Kristine Ziedina’s rigorous research and documentation that expands understanding of Sarasota County’s built environment and cultural history. Her work has brought visibility to under-recognized resources and strengthened the foundation for future preservation planning, publications, and public education.
Award Recipient: Pat BallThe award recognizes Sarasota builder Pat Ball, the former long-term owner of Ball Construction, for his long-standing contribution to Sarasota County through preservation-sensitive building and restoration work. Over decades, his leadership has supported the continued life of significant historic and cultural sites, demonstrating the essential role builders play in safeguarding architectural heritage. The jury expressed admiration for “more than five decades of preservation-focused building and restoration
work.”
Heritage Awards Committee Members
Lorrie Muldowney, Chair, Owner, Creative Preservation Solutions, Immediate Past President, SAHPHarry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager, City of VeniceDr. Uzi Baram, Professor Emeritus, New College of Florida, Principal, UB Heritage, LLCDr. Christopher S. Wilson, Architecture and Design Historian, Ringling College of Art + Design; Scholar-in Residence, Architecture SarasotaJoyce Hart, Owner, J. Hart Interior Designs; Board Member, City of Sarasota Historic Preservation BoardJonathan Parks, FAIA, Principal-in-Charge, Founder, Solstice Planning and Architecture, SarasotaRandall Kowalski, Illinois Smart City and Region Association – Cofounder; Former Illinois Department of Commerce Senior Advisor and Deputy Directory of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology for the State of IllinoisTom McArdle, Secretary & Treasurer, SAHP
Photo Gallery
Photo Captions
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus (Architecture Award): Restored exterior…Esther Horton (Lillian Burns Individual Achievement Award): Esther Horton, recipient…Fred and Grace Whitehouse (Adaptive Reuse & Organizational Achievement Award): Fred and Grace Whitehouse…Lamolithic House, Siesta Key (Historic Structure Preservation Award): Exterior view…Kristine Ziedina (Historical Research Award): Kristine Ziedina, recipient…Lord-Higel House, Venice (Adaptive Use Award): The Lord-Higel House in Venice…Pat Ball (Builders / Developers Award): Pat Ball… Photo courtesy of Sarasota Magazine.Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse… Pictured (left to right)…Todd Sweet (Architecture Award): Todd Sweet…Organizational Achievement Award: Members of the South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood Association…Historical Research Award: Kim Patton Manning and John D. Manning…
About Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation
Founded in 1985, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Sarasota County’s historic and cultural treasures. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, SAHP strives to protect the past while inspiring future generations to engage with the region’s heritage. Visit PreserveSrq.org.