Commission selects Stokes residence for Doctor Harvey Award; gives honorable mention to 1762 Irving

At its April 15 meeting the Historic Landmarks Commission selected the Stokes residence (the $15,880 project at 16th and Grand) for the residential Doctor Harvey Award and gave an honorable mention to the 1762 Irving property.

Staff presented four nominations (three residential, one commercial — the Astor Building) and commissioners discussed whether paint‑focused or long‑running projects should qualify. President Burns said he thought the award should recognize a recent, substantial project rather than a paint job: "I'm not excited by giving the Harvey award for a paint job," he said, urging the commission to focus on significant restoration work.

Commissioners highlighted the scale of work at the Stokes residence — porch, deck and lower‑level improvements and other restoration beyond paint — and several commissioners moved and seconded the nomination. The motion to give the residential Doctor Harvey Award to the Stokes residence carried; commissioners also moved to give an honorable mention to 1762 Irving to recognize restoration and a replacement historic window. Commissioner Ross recorded an abstention on the honorable‑mention motion.

Staff said the awards will be presented at the City Council meeting on May 5 and that recipients will be contacted to attend.

Why it matters: The Doctor Harvey Awards are a local recognition program that highlights notable preservation work; commissioners’ debate about scope — paint versus substantial restoration — illustrates how the commission signals standards for future nominations and community expectations for preservation quality.