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'Saving and restoring King County’s rich history’: Executive Constantine honors recipients of 23rd annual Spellman Awards for historic preservation
Summary
Feb. 6, 2025: The winners of the 23rd annual John D. Spellman Awards for Achievement in Historic Preservation were honored at a ceremony at Kenmore Community Club led by Executive Constantine.
News
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the winners of the 23rd annual John D. Spellman Awards, the region’s highest honor for historic preservation.
This year’s award winners include family-owned Kenmore Air for offering scenic Pacific Northwest flights for nearly 80 years, a flood risk reduction project that preserved cultural resources in archeological site along the Green River, and the person who led the rehabilitation of one of the earliest homes built in Skykomish connected to the town’s railroad past.
“The Spellman Award winners are saving and restoring King County’s rich history for future generations to experience and enjoy,” said Executive Constantine. “I am grateful for their lasting contributions to historic preservation — protecting small businesses, iconic homes, and archaeological discoveries.”
Executive Constantine led a celebration for award winners at the Kenmore Community Club, co-hosted by the Kenmore Heritage Society and King County’s Historic Preservation Program.
The winners of the 2024 John D. Spellman Awards for Achievement in Historic Preservations are:
Kenmore Air won for its contributions to the City of Kenmore and its vital role in connecting King County to the greater Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1946, the multigenerational family-owned enterprise began with a salvaged seaplane in an old shingle mill on the north shore of Lake Washington and grew into a regional institution renowned for its scenic flights, innovative seaplane repair, charter operations, and commuter services.
Ashley Toney won for rehabilitating the 1890 McEvoy House, one of Skykomish’s earliest homes. Built by Patrick McEvoy, an engineer with Great Northern Railway who operated the first passenger train over the Cascade switchbacks, the house survived the 1904 fire that destroyed much of the town. With Toney’s passion for old houses and design guidance from SHKS Architects, the once-vacant McEvoy House again contributes to the vibrancy of Skykomish, connecting the town to its railroad history and preserving its rural character.
King County Flood Control District and project partners won for preserving cultural resources at the Lower Russell Levee Setback project along the Green River in Kent. During the 9-year-long flood management and salmon habitat restoration effort across 50 acres, an archaeological site associated with the ancestral Duwamish village of Stәq was discovered. The King County Flood Control District worked with its service providers, King County’s Water and Land Resources Division, and the City of Kent – in collaboration with the Muckleshoot and Suquamish tribes and additional tribal consultation – to redesign the project to preserve part of the site and mitigate unavoidable impacts.
Nancy Ousley won for her distinguished career in public service, leaving a legacy of rehabilitated landmarks, thriving businesses, and vibrant public spaces. Nancy initiated the Washington State Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation program, resulting in $21 million in grants to restore courthouses in 26 counties since 2005. She championed protections for historic buildings and small businesses in Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District, and SoDo during development of Safeco Field, now named T-Mobile Park. As Kenmore’s Assistant City Manager, Ousley led the Kenmore Business Incubator program and partnered with stakeholders to redevelop the historic Saint Edward Seminary into The Lodge at St. Edward State Park.
King County’s Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Meisner presented the awards.
Dean Kralios, Chair of the King County Landmarks Commission, presented a Certificate of Designation to the Fall City Historical Society for nominating the 1948 Fall City Fire Station No. 27 as a Fall City Community Landmark.
The King County Historic Preservation Program was established in 1978 to identify, document, and protect King County’s significant historic resources. The program staffs a nine-person Landmarks Commission, conducts environmental reviews in cooperation with other agencies and jurisdictions, manages a regional preservation program in partnership with numerous suburban cities, maintains an inventory of historic resources, and develops and implements incentives to support and encourage restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties.
The Historic Preservation Program is part of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
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Quotes
The Spellman Award winners are saving and restoring King County’s rich history for future generations to experience and enjoy. I am grateful for their lasting contributions to historic preservation — protecting small businesses, iconic homes, and archaeological discoveries.
Contact
Doug Williams, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4543