2012 Josiah Durfee Award Winners
The Josiah Durfee Award is given at the discretion of the NPA’s Board of Directors on behalf of the NPA membership to the local citizen or organization that has made the most significant positive contribution to NPA’s mission. Outstanding achievement in historic preservation may be a single event or a cumulative contribution over several years.
Nickel Plate Arts
The Noblesville Preservation Alliance partnered with the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau to find a constructive reuse for two historic structures located just off the Courthouse Square. The brick Judge Stone House (built in 1849) and the wood-clad Stephenson House (circa early 1900s) were architectural gems that were very badly in need of preservation.
Painstaking efforts—led by HCCVB staff Brenda Myers and Betsy Jones—far exceeded our wildest dreams, committing significant resources into the rehabilitation and restoration of the properties. Even better for Noblesville, the HCCVB selected the site to house its new arts initiative, Nickel Plate Arts, which has contributed significantly to the cultural vibrancy of Noblesville over the past year. The buildings have studio space for local artists, active gallery space for exhibits and facilities for artists to teach classes.
Our congratulations and thanks for a job well done!
