Celebrating Excellence in Historic Preservation: Highlights from the 2024 Preservation Awards
Many thanks to the donors, public officials, friends, colleagues, guests, awards presenters, and honorees who made our 2024 Preservation Awards ceremony and reception on January 25, 2025, a truly celebratory event!
We are delighted to share highlights from the evening that honored the individuals and organizations who have exemplified excellence in historic preservation on Long Island (click on an image or arrow below to scroll through the gallery).
Event photography by Len Marks Photography
Held at Preservation Long Island’s headquarters gallery in the Old Methodist Church in Cold Spring Harbor, the evening brought together honorees and guests for a celebration of preservation excellence. Attendees enjoyed live jazz music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres while viewing historic paintings, artifacts, and antique furniture from Preservation Long Island’s permanent collection.
Board President Michelle Elliott Gokey welcomed guests and provided an overview of the biennial Preservation Awards program. She then introduced our newly appointed Executive Director, Jackie Powers, who reflected on her first six weeks with Preservation Long Island, emphasized the significance of the awards, and acknowledged the elected officials in attendance, including Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright and Robert Trotta (both 2024 awardees), Huntington Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Michelle McCarthy, Chief of Staff to Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smyth and Kevin Stuessi, Mayor of Greenport.
Honoring Outstanding Preservation Achievements
Organizational Excellence Award: Suffolk County for the Preservation of Owl Hill
Presented by Tara Cubie, Preservation Director, Preservation Long Island.
Suffolk County was recognized for preserving Owl Hill, a 1907 mansion and 27 acres of open space in Fort Salonga, protecting it from redevelopment. Legislator Robert Trotta accepted the award on behalf of the county and County Executive Romaine. Also in attendance was Richard Martin, Suffolk County Parks Department Director of Historic Services. Independent historian Corey Geske was acknowledged for identifying the home’s renowned architect.
Project Excellence Award: The Church, Sag Harbor
Presented by Jeremy Dennis, Lead Artist & President, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio.
Artists April Gornick & Eric Fischl, along with Lee Skolnick & Jo Ann Secor of Skolnick Architecture, were honored for their leadership in transforming a 19th-century Methodist church into a vibrant arts and cultural hub. The award also recognized the site’s landscape design and amphitheater by renowned landscape designer Ed Hollander, accepted on his behalf by Jackie Powers.
Project Excellence Award: The Hawkins-Elzon House Restoration
Presented by Zachary Studenroth, Architecture and Preservation Consultant.
The Safina Center received recognition for restoring the Hawkins-Elzon House, which now serves as the nonprofit’s headquarters. The award was presented to Carl Safina, founder of the Safina Center, and New York State Legislator Steven Englebright, both in attendance.
Project Excellence Award: Mattituck Creek Tide Mill
Presented by Tara Cubie.
The restoration of the historic Mattituck Creek Tide Mill was celebrated, with the award presented to Anthony Martignetti, a restauranteur, author, and designer. The careful restoration, undertaken with contractor Glenn Heidtmann of Heidtmann and Sons, was conducted under guidance from the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The Old Mill is set to open as a restaurant in Spring 2025.
Howard Sherwood Award for Preservation Advocacy: Brian Pinnola (Posthumous)
Presented by Architect Paul Bentel.
The evening concluded with a special tribute to Brian Pinnola, a devoted advocate for historic preservation, former board member of Preservation Long Island, and past president of The Garden City Historical Society. Brian’s lifelong dedication left a lasting impact on the community. The award was accepted in his honor by his partner, Maureen Soltren.
Thank You!
We are grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our 2024 awardees and extend a special thank you to the Preservation Awards 2024 sponsors and donors for their generous support of this event.
