National Trust for Historic Preservation Presents Awards to Multifamily Developments

Nashville, Tenn.—The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented 23 awards during its 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Of these awards, two were multifamily-oriented.

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on 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.

AHC Inc. received the National Trust Board of Advisors’ Award for the restoration of Gates of Ballston in Arlington, Va., a 464-unit housing community of low-rise, landscaped Colonial Revival-style buildings just outside the nation’s capital.

Built between 1938 and 1940, the development had never been renovated, and each of the community’s 45 two-story buildings had heating and air conditioning problems, outdated kitchens and bathrooms, leaking roofs, deteriorating walls and severe mold damage. The grounds had been neglected for 30 years.

Determined to maintain its stock of affordable rental housing, Arlington County joined forces with AHC Inc. to give The Gates a long-overdue makeover. Today, more than 350 of the units are rented at affordable rates. 

Along with AHC Inc., co-recipients honored for the restoration of The Gates of Ballston are Arlington County Housing Division, Collins & Kronstadt, AIA, Traceries, Inc. and Harkins Builders. 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its National Trust/Housing and Urban Development Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation to Gorman & Company, Inc. for the renovation and redevelopment of the Fairbanks Flats Rowhomes in Beloit, Wisc.

Fairbanks Flats was constructed in 1917 as company housing for African-American machinists.  The development’s four buildings were designed to accommodate the growing ranks of workers migrating from the South to work at Fairbanks Morse Engine. By 1999, the property stood vacant, and many believed that demolition was the best option.

In 2006, however, Gorman & Company, Inc. launched a bid to renovate the buildings and provide quality, affordable townhouses for low- and moderate-income families and people with disabilities. 

Along with Gorman & Company, Inc., co-recipients honored for the restoration of the Fairbanks Flats Rowhomes are Fairbanks Flats Revitalization Committee, the City of Beloit and the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority.