Lila Delman Real Estate was a recipient of the one of three of the first annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, given by the Newport Restoration Foundation. President Melanie Delman accepted the award, conferred for the Lila Delman Real Estate office, located at 3 Memorial Blvd., recognizing the building's restoration for its successful integration of a contemporary business into a restored historic building. The ceremony was held September 14 at Rough Point, the former home of Doris Duke, where over 200 guests attended a cocktail reception. The awards were given by theNewport Restoration Foundation (NRF) and the city of Newport to celebrate local excellence in historic preservation, and were presented by Pieter Roos, NRF's executive director, and were made possible in part by a generous grant from BankNewport
Honoree Noreen Drexel received the Distinguished Stewardship award for her strong commitment to philanthropy and preservation in Newport for more than half a century. In her acceptance comments, Drexel fondly recalled her friend, the late Doris Duke, as both a champion of preservation in Newport and as an animal lover. Three other awards were given to recognize distinctive projects that have contributed to preserving the historic fabric of Newport. The Redwood Library & Athenaeum was honored for its recent project that involved rehabilitation as well as new construction on this National Historic Landmark site. Nicholas Scheetz received an award for his restoration of 40 Division St., which incorporated modern conveniences into an 18th century single-family home while respecting its historic significance, and the Lila Delman Real Estate office.
Each recipient received The Doris Duke Award, a sea-colored, Egyptian Revival glass column, mounted on an inscribed bronze base, designed and handcrafted by Rhode Island artist Steven Easton. In recognition of their contribution to historic preservation, honorees also received a citation from the state of Rhode Island, signed by governor Donald Carcieri, a citationfrom congressman Kennedy, and a proclamation from the city of Newport.
All proceeds from this event will go directly to grants to be made by the newly instituted Doris Duke Fund for Historic Preservation. While the NRF has given grants to small preservation projects, the establishment of this fund will enhance the NRF's ability to support preservation.