Pillar of NY Gala to Celebrate Leaders in Historic Preservation

ALBANY, NY (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State will present its most prestigious commendation, the Pillar of New York Award, to two honorees at the 2010 Pillar of New York Awards gala on November 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

Since 1992 the Preservation League has presented its Pillar of New York Award to individuals and organizations whose work in the field of historic preservation makes them role models for others throughout the state and nation.

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP of New York City will be celebrated for the firm's role as one of America's premier authorities on historic preservation, and for their work on some of New York State's most iconic and best-loved historic buildings and important historic areas, including Grand Central Terminal and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden.

Matthew Bender IV's name is virtually synonymous with philanthropy and leadership in historic preservation, particularly in upstate New York, where he has served on the New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol since its creation in 1979, and was a founding member and long-time board member of Historic Albany Foundation and the Preservation League of New York State.

Each year the League presents The Pillar of New York Award to those who have demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of New York's historic resources by taking extraordinary actions to protect, preserve, and promote those assets. Tickets for the black tie gala start at $600 for individuals, and tables of 10 are available starting at $10,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Preservation League at 518-462-5658 x11.

"Beyer Blinder Belle's deep understanding of New York's history as reflected in patterns of settlement and land use has made them a leader in architecture and planning," said Arete Swartz Warren, Chair of the Preservation League. "Since 1968, the firm's work has set a high standard around the country and around the world. Beyer Blinder Belle successfully applies classical principles to a new generation of design and planning, and, as William Shakespeare said, 'makes us heirs of all eternity.' For their profound respect of the importance of a community's social history in architecture and planning, we recognize Beyer Blinder Belle as a Pillar of New York."

The League will honor Matthew Bender for fostering a family tradition of historic preservation, and as a lifelong leader in the support of preservation and the performing arts. "Of all the ideals and traditions one can pass on to the next generation, a love of history and the arts may be the finest," said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. "When we value our history, we engender both appreciation for the past and anticipation for the future. Matthew Bender IV is building a legacy that truly matters, brick by brick and acre by acre. For philanthropic leadership and a peerless reputation as a community leader and executive volunteer, we honor Matthew Bender IV as a Pillar of New York."

Past honorees of the League's Pillar of New York Award include the Pell Family for their leadership in the preservation of Fort Ticonderoga and its surroundings; the Pratt Family for the founding and preservation of the Pratt Institute Campus; Tiffany & Co. and The Tiffany & Co Foundation; preservation advocates Connie and David Clapp; Phyllis Lambert, the film Citizen Lambert: Joan of Architecture, and its director, Teri Wehn Damisch; David Beer and Brennan Beer Gorman / Architects and Brennan Beer Gorman Monk / Interiors; Cook + Fox Architects; Southampton Town Councilman Dennis Suskind; Governor George E. Pataki; developer Frank J. Sciame; Ronald Lauder; the Honorable James R. Houghton; Mrs. Vincent Astor; Peggy and David Rockefeller; architect Hugh Hardy; and Jane Forbes Clark. The League has also previously honored William S. Beinecke, Chairman and Director of the Prospect Hill Foundation; Friends of Hudson; Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries; LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation; Chubb Corporation; Cablevision Systems; and the Hilton Hotel Corporation.

The Preservation League of New York State – New York's only statewide historic preservation organization – is dedicated to promoting historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods, honor our heritage, and enrich our lives. As the State's preservation leader, the League seeks to recognize and applaud individuals, organizations and businesses which understand the value of our historic resources and have taken extraordinary actions to protect, preserve and promote those assets.