Ruth Pierpont, former NYS Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation, to be honored

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Ruth Pierpont. Photo credit: Cutty McGill/Jay Heritage Center

ALBANY, NY (04/25/2017) (readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State has selected Ruth Pierpont, former NYS Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, to receive an award for Individual Excellence in Historic Preservation.

The League's statewide awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York State's irreplaceable architectural heritage.

"We are delighted to recognize Ruth's decades of extraordinary service to the cause of historic preservation through her many roles with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "Until her recent retirement, Ruth played a dual role – serving as the Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation and the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. Under her supervision, Ruth grew the Historic Tax Credit program into one of New York State's signature economic development tools, undertook a comprehensive assessment of the state's Historic Site system, and maintained New York's role as the national leader of listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Through Ruth's efforts, the state has emerged as a trailblazer in recognizing new and formerly under-represented historic resources, including buildings associated with the recent past and properties significant to LGBT Americans."

Prior to joining the State Historic Preservation Office staff in 1993, Ruth worked for the City of Troy Department of Planning & Community Development for 16 years, serving as Commissioner of that department from 1991 to 1993. She was an adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the building conservation program from 2002 – 2007. In her many years of public service, she has had experience in a broad range of activities and initiatives involving urban planning, historic preservation and redevelopment.

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with a diversity of colleagues and communities throughout New York State and to be part of a growing recognition that our nation's immensely varied historic resources enrich our lives as tangible reminders of our shared history," said Pierpont. "Their preservation and re-use is an effective means to breathe new life into our cities and neighborhoods."

The awards will be presented at the Preservation League's Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10th at the historic New York Yacht Club, 37 West 44th Street.

The complete list of award winners is: Phoenix Brewery Apartments, Buffalo; Beekman Hotel and Residences/Temple Court, New York City; A. Philip Randolph Houses, Phase One, New York City; South Street Seaport Museum: the 1885 sailing ship Wavertree, New York City; Rouge Tomate Chelsea, New York City; Marriott Syracuse Downtown (formerly Hotel Syracuse); Pickens Hall & Opera House, Heuvelton; Argos Inn, Ithaca; and Ruth Pierpont.

"With our annual awards program, the Preservation League explores not just the present, but the future of historic preservation. Many of the 2017 award winners provide valuable examples for others by incorporating energy efficiency techniques, adaptive reuse strategies and use of Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits," said DiLorenzo. "Each year, we are impressed by the number and variety of laudable nominations, and this year was no exception. We are delighted to celebrate the leadership of Ruth Pierpont and her efforts to advance the cause of preservation."