2026 Preservation Awards

2026 Preservation Awards

Funder: City of Fernandina Beach and Fernandina Beach Main Street

Overview: Recognition program that honors outstanding efforts to preserve Fernandina Beach's unique architectural character. Historic structures contribute significantly to the identity of Fernandina Beach, and the sensitive treatment of these resources ensures that residents and visitors continue to experience the city's rich historic character.

Award Ceremony: May 12, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Peck Center Auditorium, 516 S 10th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Award Categories

1. Restoration / Rehabilitation - Recognizes proper restoration or rehabilitation of a structure in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Projects may include exterior and/or interior improvements that respect and preserve historic integrity.

2. Sensitive Addition - Recognizes additions to historic structures that demonstrate compatibility in scale, massing, materials and design with the original building.

3. New Construction - Recognizes excellence in the design of new structures located within the Old Town or Downtown Historic Districts that are compatible with surrounding historic context. Includes Commercial and Residential subcategories.

4. Adaptive Reuse - Awarded to projects that transform an existing building or space into a new use through sensitive and creative solutions that preserve architectural and historic integrity while extending the life of the structure.

5. Storefront Façade Renovation - Recognizes projects that contribute positively to the streetscape through respectful treatment of historic building features. Projects may include accessibility improvements.

6. Craftsmanship - Recognizes excellence in traditional building methods, including woodworking, masonry, wrought-iron work, framing and plastering. Honors the craftsperson(s) responsible for the work; may include interior or exterior projects.

7. Preservation Champion – John M. Cotner Award - Awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the preservation, protection and enhancement of Fernandina Beach's historic and cultural resources.

Eligibility

• Geographic Scope: City of Fernandina Beach, Florida
• Project Completion Date: Projects must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021
• Preservation Champion Award: May only be awarded to a resident of Fernandina Beach
• Who May Apply: Property owners, architects, contractors, consultants, organizations or other project representatives (with property owner's permission). Preservation Champion nominations may be submitted by any individual or organization.

Judging

Panel: Three individuals drawn from organizations such as the Amelia Island–Fernandina Restoration Foundation, Amelia Island Museum of History, the City of Fernandina Beach Historic District Council or other groups with aligned preservation missions.

Judging Criteria:

Compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Contribution to the preservation of Fernandina Beach's historic resources

Impact on the community

Level of difficulty or complexity involved in completing the project

Historical and architectural significance of the property or effort

Notes: If no submission in a given category meets the judging criteria, no award will be presented in that category. All award decisions are final and may not be appealed.

Contact Information

Fernandina Beach Main Street

Street Address: 309 1/2 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035

Phone: 904-624-7147

Website: fernandinamainstreet.com

Organization Status: Non-profit 501(C)(3) organization registered with the Florida Division of Consumer Services, Registration No. CH61086