The Historic Preservation Commission presented its annual report to the Moscow City Council on Dec. 2, reviewing awards and recent work, and offering a short lecture on local architect Henry Black.

Commission chair Nels Ries, professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Idaho, said the commission''s Orchid awards program has recognized preservation efforts for 20 years and that the panel gave three awards this year. “We've given...159 awards over the last 20 years,” Ries said.

Ries highlighted three awardees: Cynthia King for years of service to the commission; a phase-one window-repair project at the McConnell mansion carried out by the LaToYa Historic Preservation Society that replaced or repaired 18 large window units; and Evan and Leslie Wilson for extensive restoration work at the House of 7 Gables at 325 North Polk Street.

Ries also described ongoing work toward a historic district on the University of Idaho campus and reported a recent research finding: commission members located documentation attributing Morrill Hall (sometimes spelled Moreau/Morrill in materials) to architect Henry Black, adding to the Commission''s knowledge of local early-20th-century architecture.

Councilors asked questions about the commission''s award criteria and selection process for properties not in designated historic districts; Ries said properties must generally be at least 50 years old and that the commission nominates a slate of projects it considers and then votes each year.

No formal council action was required on the report.