To see how those with a passion for historic preservation can transform old buildings into modern uses, Covington's winners in the Historic Preservation Excellence Awards offer insight. The awards were presented last Tuesday during National Economic Development Week and National Preservation Month. Five projects were recognized for their outstanding efforts in preserving, maintaining, and reusing historic properties completed in 2024.
“These winners embody the goals of preserving, protecting, and celebrating Covington’s built heritage and unique sense of place,” said Kaitlin Bryan, Historic Preservation and Regulatory Services Manager for the City.
In the Exterior Restoration-Residential category, Daisy Properties and Covert Design+Build received an award for their work on 1308 Scott St. The building had been vacant for over two decades with significant structural challenges. They restored the roof and box gutters, reconstructed or replicated missing brackets, installed historically accurate siding, and replaced unsalvageable doors with energy-efficient ones.
Covington Digs, LLC won the Adaptive Re-use Residential award for converting a former neon sign shop at 519 W. 9th St. into a single-family home while retaining historical elements such as rebuilding balloon framed walls.
Orleans Development was honored in the Exterior Restoration Mixed-Use/Commercial category for their work on 401 Scott Blvd., a notable Italianate style building from circa 1865-66. Their restoration included custom-built storefronts and detailed interior renovations to preserve historical features.
The Adaptive Re-use Mixed-Use/Commercial award went to Ryan & Kelley Arey at 1132 Banklick St. They restored the original façade by removing obstructions like cinder blocks and plywood to revive its historical charm as part of a larger renovation project supported by a city grant.
Finally, Freedom Capital Partners, LLC received recognition in Interior Restoration for their work on Ashcraft House at 1206 Lee St., transforming it from an unlivable state into a luxury residence while preserving its historical integrity.