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Hugh King discussed historic preservation with the Village Preservation Society of East Hampton on Saturday. VILLAGE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF EAST HAMPTON
The Village Preservation Society of East Hampton celebrated the winners of the 2024 Historic Preservation Award at its annual meeting and Historic Preservation Award ceremony at the Tennis House on Saturday, September 29.
The society created the Historic Preservation Award to honor and promote significant preservation, rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction projects and activities that contribute to the historic character of East Hampton and surrounding communities. In particular, the society endeavors to recognize efforts and resources involved in structures that are integral to a sense of place and are often otherwise unprotected by historic district status or regulations.
Kristen and Robert DeLaMater were honored for their privately funded restoration of “Wayside,” the 1888 Dr. George E. Munroe house designed by Isaac Henry Green Jr. Green’s architectural footprint extends to many houses in East Hampton, anchoring the cottage style features associated with the village.
The architects Janet Fink and Arthur Platt, of Fink & Platt Architects, who designed and oversaw the restoration of Wayside carried out by John Hummel Builders, made a short presentation on their process. They recognized the efforts of Robert Hefner, the former village historian, for his contributions in helping to create an infrastructure that supports historic preservation in the village.
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez was given the Public Category award in recognition of the town’s restoration of the Fowler House on Springs-Fireplace Road in the Freetown neighborhood, construction of which was donated by Ben Krupinski Builder.
Hugh King, the town historian, gave a talk in which he informed the gathering about Green’s works, the importance of Freetown and the relationship of the residents of that community to the village.
“All of us have watched sadly as we’ve seen charming old buildings razed to make way for much less architecturally appealing structures,” said Georgia deHavenon, the Historic Preservation Committee’s chairwoman. “Historic properties anchor the character of the village and unfortunately, not all such buildings fall within the protections of designated historic districts. The VPS sees this award as an opportunity to help shape public awareness of how important historic character is to our sense of place.”
