Five Questions With: Rachel Robinson

The Providence Preservation Society is accepting nominations for the 2019 Preservation Awards, which recognize building projects that deserve praise, be they large or small. To be considered, the projects must have been completed between Sept. 1, 2016, and Aug. 31, 2019. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 13.

Director of Preservation Rachel Robinson spoke to the Providence Business News about the award program and what has changed this year.

PBN: Is there anything new this year?

ROBINSON: Two big changes for this awards round. One is we have an expert jury in New Orleans that is going to review the applications, so we’re excited about that. We’ve had some local juries. It’s nice to have an out-of-town jury. It raises the profile of the awards.

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PBN: Who are the jurors, are they professionally known to you?

ROBINSON: Yes, these are former colleagues of mine, having worked there prior to Providence. They are architects and preservationists.

PBN: Which categories have changed?

ROBINSON: That’s the second big change. Rather than us announcing categories, we are seeking submissions that represent excellence in preservation, design and planning. We just want to see the best of the best. It doesn’t matter if these are small, residential projects or large, commercial projects.

PBN: There is no minimum amount of investment?

ROBINSON: We want to see things that are examples of good sustainability and good stewardship. This can certainly be new construction and infill, additions. It’s not just the strict rehabilitation or renovation of older buildings.

PBN: How many years has this program been offered?

ROBINSON: Since at least the 1970s we’ve been doing preservation awards. It’s not something we do every year. For this eligibility this year, there is a lot of work going on. We’re hoping to get a good two dozen nominations.

Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@pbn.com.