The Preservation Foundation

In the Media

Preservation Foundation to screen ‘Mad Men,’ Ric Burns ‘New York’ documentary
Posted Date 07/14/2010
Due to demand, the Preservation Foundation has scheduled a second film night for Monday, July 26, featuring episodes of Mad Men and Ric Burns’ New York documentary focused on the destruction of Penn Station.

The 6 p.m. screening, in the Rosenthal Lecture Room at Preservation Foundation offices, 311 Peruvian Ave., is free and open to the public, although seating is limited. Refreshments will be provided. To reserve seats, call 832-0731 or e-mail aives@palmbeachpreservation.org. MORE...
Preservation Foundation to screen ‘The Magnificent Ambersons’
Posted Date 06/15/2010
Orson Welles’ 1942 masterpiece The Magnificent Ambersons will screen at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Preservation Foundation’s Rosenthal Lecture Room, 311 Peruvian Ave.

Foundation Director of Public Affairs Alexander C. Ives will present a short introduction to the film.

The film tells the tale of a late 19th century American town’s most prosperous family destroyed by the march of industrialization to turn the town into a city and is based on Booth Tarkington’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel.

The event is free to all, and sodas, wine and snacks will be provided. For reservations, call 832-0731.

To see a clip of the film’s opening scenes, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg6emvCqvBE . MORE...
Kirchhoff, Buatta win Schuler Award for Ross guest house Windsong Too
Posted Date 04/04/2010
Architect Thomas Kirchhoff and decorator Mario Buatta won the Preservation Foundation’s Elizabeth L. and John H. Schuler Award Thursday for their design of Windsong Too.

The guest pavilion is adjacent to Windsong, an estate-section property owned by Hilary and Wilbur Ross.

The award, presented annually since 2006, recognizes architects and designers of newly built structures on the island that reflect local architectural traditions.

It was given Thursday during a ceremony at the Preservation Foundation headquarters on Peruvian Avenue.

This is the second time Kirchhoff’s work has been acknowledged with a Schuler award. He also was the first recipient, for his design of the Dixon residence. MORE...
Town Council seeks privacy options regarding web posting of architectural plans
Posted Date 03/30/2010
So when the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach noticed the town’s building department announced plans to post residential architectural plans on the town’s web site, it sounded an alarm.

The department has long posted building applications online. And in 2007 through part of 2009, when the department had an employee dedicated to the task, it placed architectural plans online when they were submitted with applications, according to assistant director Veronica Close. Most of the time, the large plans were not sent digitally with the application, she said.

The Preservation Foundation, learning that the department proposed putting all architectural submissions online, voiced its objections to the Town Council last week.

“I don’t think private homeowners should have to expose their home plans to the public,” said foundation president John Mashek. “I don’t think we want to show where our children’s bedrooms are. It should not be public information in our opinion. If we are tal MORE...
Elizabeth Minchilli to share 'Italian Rustic' advice at Preservation Foundation talk
Posted Date 03/15/2010
In a series of books, American Elizabeth Minchilli relates the life she shares in Italy with her husband, an Italian architect, and their two daughters. Her articles on a variety of topics Italiano have popped up in Architectural Digest, Food and Wine and Town & Country, among other magazines.

Living in a restored farmhouse in Umbria and a rooftop apartment near the Coliseum in Rome, Minchilli has become an expert on the little touches that make an Italian house a welcoming, authentic home.

At 2 p.m. on Friday, Minchilli will talk about her latest book, Italian Rustic, at The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach office, 311 Peruvian Ave. MORE...
Sterling Group attacks on Preservation Foundation untrue
Posted Date 03/01/2010
The Preservation Foundation has been front and center for decades. We have raised and donated millions of dollars to assist the town with numerous projects, to build parks and to educate young and old about the town's history and architecture. You may not agree with everything we stand for or everything we have done. I do not. It is not possible, however, to question our motives or our openness. If the Sterling Group wants to debate the merits of its proposal, we will do so at any time and in any forum. The personal attacks need to stop; they are not a part of the lifestyle of this community. If the redevelopment plan cannot stand on its merits, it should fail.

L. Frank Chopin is a trustee of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. MORE...
Preservation Foundation survey says most residents oppose Sterling condos
Posted Date 02/10/2010
The leader of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach says a newly released survey about condo construction at the Royal Poinciana Plaza should give town leaders plenty of food for thought.

The Clinton Group, a communications firm, reports that of the Palm Beach residents who participated in the Preservation Foundation-sponsored survey, taken Feb. 4 though Feb. 8, 63.8 percent said they oppose condos at the plaza while 18.5 percent said they support that scenario.

On Wednesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission is scheduled to conduct a formal hearing of Sterling Palm Beach's redevelopment plan for the plaza, which proposes the construction of four condominiums on the 12-acre site.

Using a random-dial system to contact Palm Beach residents throughout town, the survey asked: "Are you for or against the construction of new condominiums at the Royal Poinciana Plaza?"

John Mashek, chairman of the Preservation Foundation, said its leaders knew how its members felt. "But in MORE...
Ballinger winner El Castillo's restoration embraces its architectural heritage
Posted Date 12/12/2009
Karakul and Held's efforts to restore the vintage home resulted in recognition by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach with the 2009 Ballinger Award.

The award has been presented since 1987 to owners of renovated or restored properties considered to be outstanding examples of the preservation of the history and traditions of Palm Beach architecture.

"When you walk into this house, you get a wonderful sense of the past, even though it has been thoroughly and thoughtfully updated," said John Mashek, Preservation Foundation chairman, who heads the selection commitee for the Ballinger Award.

"One cannot tell that the addition is not original to the house, it is done so well," Mashek said. MORE...
Emphasize provenance of modern buildings, expert tells Preservation Foundation
Posted Date 11/04/2009
Marty Hylton, an assistant professor of interior design at the University of Florida, is aware that the impressions some have of modern-style architecture can work against efforts to preserve worthy examples.

"People don't get all warm and fuzzy about them. They call them factory-like and industrial," Hylton explained Wednesday at a Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach workshop on mid-century modernism. MORE...
Nov. 4: Historic Properties Workshop: Mid-Century Modernism and Green Preservation
Posted Date 11/02/2009
The Preservation Foundation will be presenting this year’s ‘Historic Properties Workshop’ on Nov. 4, 2009. The fourth in as many years, this year the focus is Mid-Century Modernism and Green Preservation. It is open to the public and free to all. MORE...
Royal Poinciana Way overlay 'density bank' may spur gold-rush scenario
Posted Date 11/01/2009
The Royal Poinciana Way area needs to be energized. Make no mistake; the Preservation Foundation does not propose fossilizing the area. The present desire of some Town Council members for a quick fix must not force our zoning commissioners to make sweeping changes that put at risk the happy union of good sense and good taste that has always been the hallmark of the best in Palm Beach. We can rely on the Architectural Commission for good taste, and we want to rely on the Planning and Zoning commissioners to exercise good sense. MORE...
Preservation Foundation historic properties workshop to focus on Modern, green architecture
Posted Date 10/11/2009
Seizing on two topical subjects, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach will present a Historic Properties workshop on Modern architecture and green preservation, from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 4. at its offices, 311 Peruvian Ave.

Though Modern architecture is not widely seen in Palm Beach, it is part of a wide range of styles represented here, according to Janice Owens, education director for the Preservation Foundation.

"If you think about the buildings we've lost in town, this is a way to educate the public," Owens said.

In 2001, the Town Council declined to designate as a landmark the 1973 John Volk-designed Modern-style house called La Ronda. The house, at 444 N. Lake Way, was later demolished.

The 1960 Modern-style house at 144 Wells Road, designed by Alfred Browning Parker, was demolished last summer. MORE...
Preservation of Mizner's La Ronda in Pennsylvania gets backing in Palm Beach
Posted Date 07/25/2009
The 1929 Addison Mizner-designed mansion in danger — with its colossal towers, two-story grand hall, dramatic arches and turret — is situated not in Palm Beach, but near Bryn Mawr, Pa. There, the predominant architectural styles include Tudor Revival and Colonial. MORE...
Foundation donates $100,000 for Palm Beach Town Hall restoration, looks to merchants for more
Posted Date 07/15/2009
Making good on a pledge to help pay for the exterior restoration of Town Hall, part of an $11 million renovation, the Preservation Foundation has initiated a fundraising campaign. MORE...
History teachers get local lessons to take to class
Posted Date 06/22/2009
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Preservation Foundation closes social calendar at Pan's Garden reception
Posted Date 05/22/2009
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Playhouse, plaza petition legal, so Town Council must wait for referendum
Posted Date 05/02/2009
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Andrew Sandoval-Strausz lectures on hotel impact on Palm Beach, nation
Posted Date 04/25/2009
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Children play Earth Day 'game' at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
Posted Date 04/21/2009
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Preservation Foundation spotlights Richard Sammons, music at Pan's Garden
Posted Date 04/07/2009
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Schuler Award for 2009 honors Palm Beach home's mix of new and classic
Posted Date 04/04/2009
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Preservation Foundation speaker Theodore Prudon says 50-year landmarking rule is outdated
Posted Date 03/24/2009
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Preservation Foundation benefit embraces nostalgia
Posted Date 03/14/2009
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Lisa, Claes Wahlestedt win Polly Earl Award from Palm Beach Preservation Foundation
Posted Date 01/07/2009
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Ballinger-winning El Sarmiento a 'magnificent compound' for David, Julia Koch
Posted Date 12/13/2008
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Kors opening salutes Preservation Foundation
Posted Date 12/10/2008
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Vote to landmark Royal Poinciana Plaza revitalized Palm Beach engine
Posted Date 11/22/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach sets music, film, author events
Posted Date 11/18/2008
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Palm Beach should landmark Royal Poinciana Plaza and let process proceed
Posted Date 11/09/2008
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Preservation panelist Ripley abandons Theater Guild forum on Royal Poinciana Plaza
Posted Date 10/29/2008
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Preservation Foundation sets workshop on maintaining historic properties
Posted Date 10/23/2008
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Royal Poinciana Plaza officials' redesign plan aims to 'energize' gateway
Posted Date 10/09/2008
John Mashek, president of the board of directors of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, said he regards the plan as a work in progress.

"The Preservation Foundation continues to feel the whole property should be landmarked and that we should let the landmarks commission work with the developer on the changes they want," he said. "That's the process."

But he said that doesn't mean the Playhouse should remain intact.

"We are not about the usage of historic buildings," he said. "We are about saving the architecture itself." MORE...
Palm Beach Country Club donates $25,000 to palm-tree planting drive
Posted Date 10/07/2008
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Palm Beach Country Club donates $25,000 to palm-tree planting drive
Posted Date 10/07/2008
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Councilman Coleman: Landmark process must be fair; John Ripley cherry-picks facts, context
Posted Date 07/27/2008
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Sea Gull Cottage facelift begins
Posted Date 07/22/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach names architectural internship for Anthony K. Baker
Posted Date 07/21/2008
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Palm Beach Town Council stance is biggest hurdle to preservation of architectural landmarks
Posted Date 07/20/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach plants 96 palms toward goal of creating tree canopy
Posted Date 07/07/2008
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Publix eyes expanding or replacing Palm Beach store
Posted Date 06/26/2008
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Palm Beach boards reach informal consensus on steps to improve Royal Poinciana Way
Posted Date 06/19/2008
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Preservation Foundation launches removal of ailing palms along North County Road
Posted Date 06/16/2008
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Three town boards to meet this week about Royal Poinciana Way area study
Posted Date 06/15/2008
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Pan's Garden hosts area educators for two-day workshop
Posted Date 06/12/2008
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Palm Beach Town Council approves $12 million Town Hall renovation
Posted Date 06/10/2008
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Royal Poinciana option gets high marks
Posted Date 05/25/2008
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Preservation Foundation's Young Friends May Cocktail Bash
Posted Date 05/23/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach retools palm tree sale to aid town's landscaping
Posted Date 04/12/2008
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Architect Raphael Saladrigas wins Schuler Award for Bermuda-style Musso home in Palm Beach
Posted Date 04/06/2008
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Architects Jackie Albarran and Gene Pandula share ways to enhance landmarked properties
Posted Date 03/24/2008
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Planner Amanda Burden explains future of New York City to Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach
Posted Date 03/19/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach gala is homage to India
Posted Date 03/12/2008
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Preservation Foundation Gala
Posted Date 03/08/2008
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UM students aid Royal Poinciana Way design team with district, bridge plans
Posted Date 03/03/2008
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Architect, author Marianne Cusato offers house design tips during Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach lecture
Posted Date 03/03/2008
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Cartier in Palm Beach
Posted Date 03/01/2008
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Dinyar Wadia touts traditional architecture in Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach lecture
Posted Date 02/17/2008
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Concertgoers discover Palm Beach Public String Ensemble
Posted Date 02/16/2008
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Paige Rense signs books at Preservation Foundation benefit
Posted Date 02/08/2008
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Architect Ray Gindroz draws on Mizner Creations
Posted Date 01/22/2008
Preservation Foundation presents exhibit of Ray Gindroz drawings MORE...
Friends and Neighbors: Library Director of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach
Posted Date 01/21/2008
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Earl Award goes to inside-out landmark house renovation
Posted Date 01/14/2008
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach luncheon honors Ballinger Award winners
Posted Date 01/02/2008
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Gardening Guru: Holiday season perfect time to explore local gardens
Posted Date 12/23/2007
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Urbanist Anthony Tung: Historic preservation key to heritage, character
Posted Date 12/15/2007
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Bierly, Drake awarded Ballinger for preservation of Magnolia House
Posted Date 12/08/2007
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Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach hosts Christmas party on Worth Avenue
Posted Date 12/05/2007
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Royal Poinciana Way Development
Posted Date 11/18/2007
Palm Beach halts development of Royal Poinciana Way area during corridor study. Council halts site-plan reviews, zoning variances due to study, but waivers can be requested. MORE...
Royal Poinciana Op-Ed by Executive Director John Ripley
Posted Date 11/11/2007
I am proud to have been appointed to the steering committee of the Royal Poinciana Visioning Study, and I believe that stability for the plaza is what we need, not input from planners. MORE...
Sea Gull Cottage Renovation
Posted Date 11/08/2007
Sea Gull Cottage: 'Showplace Along the Shores.' Coalition launches ambitious project to revitalize Palm Beach's oldest house near Royal Poinciana Chapel. MORE...
Royal Poinciana Study Will Be Hard Work Says Expert Involved
Posted Date 11/08/2007
Consultant: Expect Royal Poinciana Area Planning Study charrette to be intense. MORE...
Royal Poinciana Way Visioning Study Steering Committeee Appointed
Posted Date 11/06/2007
Panel to help planning council with Royal Poinciana Way study. MORE...
2007-2008 Dinner Dance Benefit
Posted Date 11/04/2007
Gala organizers give their all for charity. MORE...
Becoming Better Preservation Commissions Workshop
Posted Date 10/27/2007
Mock board meeting offers real preservation lessons. Officials from across the region learn proper procedures for boards overseeing the fates of historic properties. MORE...
Lake Drive Park
Posted Date 02/14/2007
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John Ripley Named Executive Director
Posted Date 02/05/2007
John M. Ripley has been named the new Executive Director of the Preservation Foundation. He brings a well rounded education and experience in preservation that enhances the mission of the foundation. MORE...