The Work of Preservation, The Power of Connection

Preservation Awards Honor Those Shaping Riverside Avondale’s Future

The Riverside Avondale Preservation Awards were held Feb. 19 in the sanctuary of Riverside Church at Park and King, recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to the neighborhood’s preservation and continued growth. Among those honored was Dori Thomsen, president of the Five Points Association and co-owner of Soluna Yoga + Spa with her husband, Christian, reflecting her leadership in both neighborhood advocacy and small business.

The annual event celebrates those helping shape the future of Riverside Avondale while honoring the character and history that define the district.

Riverside Avondale residents gathered at Riverside Church at Park and King on Thursday, Feb. 19, to celebrate the people, projects, and residences that contribute so thoroughly and passionately to the community’s unique charm and character at Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards.

RAP Executive Director Shannon Blankinship welcomed guests to the historic church and thanked community members for their continued support of the organization as it pursues its mission not just of preservation within a historic quarter but also of fostering community within the Riverside Avondale neighborhoods.

“The work that RAP is doing to connect communities is serving a critical civic role,” Blankinship said. “Connecting neighbors builds resilient, safe, supportive communities, and people connect for in-person events like farmers’ markets, volunteering, and gardening. Those kinds of events build safe spaces, they help reduce loneliness and they strengthen bonds.”

Awards were given across seven categories, with special recognition for Bold City Properties, Angela Schifanella, and Rick Pariani for their contributions to The Buckland House renovation project, which was completed last April.

Award recipients included:

Preservation Awards: Michael and Anne Ballard
and Centerbeam Construction | Charles Sessa with
The Tides Group

Craftsmanship Award: Dr. McGreggor Lott and Dr. Mary Elizabeth Lott and C. Douglas Lane with the Lane Group, Precast and Restoration Services, Inc. and W.S. Bryant

Lifetime Preservation Award: Walter Suslak

Individual Service Awards: Maggie Thoeni, Riverside Park Steward | Dori Thomsen, Five Points Association President

Community Partner Awards: The Law Firm of Pajcic
and Pajcic | Riverside Presbyterian Church

RAM Maker of the Year Award: Annsley Edwards,
Anney Life Designs

Wayne Wood Award: Richard Ceriello