For many years, those whose preservation efforts have won the attention, and hearts of historic preservationists, have been singled out with the Rena K. Terrell awards. Though in some years, the pickings have been slim, this year was not one of them, according to Terrell Award organizers Emily Rebert, the City of Washington historic preservation planner, and Scott Campbell, a local realtor and historic preservation supporter.

“There were so many wonderful projects in 2018 that, for the first time since I’ve been doing the award, I felt, as did Emily, there were other folks that needed to be recognized,” Campbell said.

Earlier this month, the Fowle family — Sadie, Sam, John and Frannye — was given the Stewardship Award for the continued preservation of three separate homes on or near West Main Street in the historic district. Carryout by Chrislyn’s Marie Peedin and Chrislyn Wedderien were honored with the Good Neighbor Award for their rehab of a circa-1889 home into a take-out/catering business with a commercial kitchen, without changing the historic feel of the East Second Street building. Nick and Susanne Sanders were awarded Best Commercial Rehab for their impeccable restoration and reuse of the circa-1922 First National Bank, creating The Hackney, a fine-dining restaurant with a focus on locally sourced food. Keith and Gayle Hudson, owners of the West Main Street Swindell House, were the final Terrell Award recipients for best Residential Rehab, and the ongoing top-to-bottom restoration on their circa-1889 home.

But there’s more, according to Campbell. Four other projects owners received honorable mentions for the work they’ve done to preserve a bit of Washington’s history, while making these spaces more livable for the modern day.

ARCHIE AND LYDIE JENNINGS

323 W. Main St.

This property was part of the Havens Grist Mill site that was recently parceled off and sold. The Jennings, who live nearby, purchased the house and went to work on its exterior, which is of benefit to all of downtown Washington.

“This is one of the gateway houses into the historic district off of (Highway) 17, so it’s very important that it looks good — and now it does,” Campbell said. “They did a terrific on a good scraping and painting.”

STUART AND MARITA EGLI

127 W. Main St.

The Eglis bought the property that years ago was home to Tassels, and renovated the building from top to bottom.

“They totally gutted the downstairs, put two huge openings on the back to overlook the water, put five really terrific apartments upstairs, all really well done,” Campbell said. “They went above and beyond a typical landlord investment.”

The investment in high-end apartments, drawing tenants with discretionary income, contributes to the entire area, according to Campbell: “They’re going to live downtown and spend money downtown.”

JANE AND ANDY OLSEN

245 E. Second St.

Not only did the East Second Street home of Jane and Andy Olsen get a substantial kitchen renovation, the place looks like new with a deck on the back and a paint job all around.

“They did a terrific job of significantly a large addition on the back with more outside living space, a brand new kitchen and did a great job of painting the whole big house,” Campbell said. “It helped continue the sprucing up of East Second Street, which has been going on a for a few years, and they’ve contributed to that.”

KEVIN AND JENNY RAWLS

183 W. Main St.

The president of WIMCO Kevin Rawls and wife Jenny made an investment in the building that housed Washington Jewelers for many decades. Gutting the building, top to bottom, the first floor was transformed into Copper Canyon Wellness Center; the upper floors into three condominiums that are the perfect mix of modern and historic.

“You can’t really see too much of this rehab, though you do see the façade for Copper Canyon — it’s one of the nicest storefronts in Washington now,” Campbell said.

The luxury condos upstairs is an investment that Campbell hopes other building owners will take note of.

“It’s potentially a catalyst for other owners doing the same thing and getting more people living downtown, which is good for everybody,” Campbell said.