Preservation Award Winners – Celebrating Architectural Heritage in Berkeley & Alameda

Honoring Excellence in Historic Preservation

Posted: October 2, 2025

The Preservation Awards recognize outstanding restoration, adaptive reuse, and architectural conservation projects that protect and celebrate our shared history. From Berkeley’s iconic McKinley Hall and Gorman Building to Alameda’s beautifully restored Craftsman bungalows and Victorian landmarks, these awards highlight the craftsmanship, dedication, and community spirit that keep our architectural heritage alive.

Whether restoring a 19th-century Queen Anne home or updating a historic commercial structure for modern use, these projects show how preservation ensures the stories of the past remain part of our future.

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) – 2006 Preservation Award Winners

In 2006, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) celebrated projects that preserved the city’s unique architectural character. These award-winning restorations ranged from landmark homes to historic community spaces.

Notable 2006 Award Recipients

  • Haste Street Building (McKinley Hall, 1906) – Originally designed by A.H. Broad, this building was preserved and integrated into the First Presbyterian Church campus, complete with seismic upgrades and restored 13-foot ceilings.

  • Hunrick Grocery (1908) – Transformed into the Rose Street Townhouses while preserving Mission Revival façade elements.

  • Gorman Building (1877, 1906) – Restored to its turreted, wood-framed storefront glory after decades of neglect.

  • Berkeley Piano Club (1912) – A hidden gem restored with careful attention to its historic concert hall and garden entry.

  • Loren Hunt House (1896) – A Dutch gambrel-roofed shingle house carefully reshingled and updated with custom windows while retaining its Northside character.

  • Sadler-Sadler-Finney House (1889) – A Victorian masterpiece brought back from decades of alteration to once again showcase its grandeur.

Other projects included stone wall restorations at Clark Kerr Campus, preservation of early Colonial Revival homes on Fulton and Haste Streets, and the renewal of multiple Victorian and Shingle Style residences throughout Berkeley.

These restorations reflect Berkeley’s commitment to preservation, ensuring the city’s identity remains tied to its historic streetscapes and cultural landmarks.

Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS) – 2021 Preservation Award Winners

The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS) continues this tradition with its annual awards. The 24th Annual Preservation Awards (2021) were held virtually, recognizing outstanding craftsmanship in bringing Alameda’s historic homes back to life.

Notable 2021 Award Recipients

  • 922 Lafayette Street (1895 Victorian by Joseph A. Leonard) – This beautifully restored family home is a true testament to Victorian craftsmanship, blending historic charm with modern functionality. Noteworthy features include meticulously preserved period-accurate plaster medallions and stunning stained glass windows that capture the elegance of the era. The heart of the home, an expanded kitchen, floods with natural light, thoughtfully designed to support contemporary living while maintaining the home’s unique character.

     

    The restoration carefully honors the original architectural details, preserving the home’s quirky historic charm—such as intricate woodwork and classic Victorian proportions—while seamlessly integrating modern comforts and conveniences. This balance ensures that the house remains both a vibrant family home and a cherished piece of Alameda’s architectural heritage.

     

    Every element of the project demonstrates a commitment to preserving the spirit of the original craftsmanship, while thoughtfully adapting the space for today’s lifestyle. This approach exemplifies how historic homes can be sensitively updated without sacrificing their soul or sense of place.

Why Preservation Awards Matter

Architectural preservation is more than saving old buildings—it’s about:

  • Protecting cultural heritage – Maintaining the unique identity of Berkeley, Alameda, and the wider Bay Area.

  • Sustainable building practices – Restoration reduces waste and reuses high-quality historic materials.

  • Community pride – Revitalized buildings enhance neighborhoods and inspire stewardship.

  • Educational value – Showcasing techniques of architects like Bernard Maybeck, Julia Morgan, A.W. Pattiani, and John Galen Howard.

Learn More & Get Involved

 

Together, BAHA and AAPS continue to honor the past while inspiring future generations to value historic architecture.

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