The Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport have announced the recipients of the 19th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing four outstanding preservation projects that exemplify craftsmanship, community engagement, and adaptive reuse.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Rough Point in Newport, marking the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser.
“The Doris Duke Preservation Awards celebrate dedicated homeowners and organizations that exemplify what it means to be a steward, inspiring others to follow suit,” said Jill Chin, Preservation Planner for the City of Newport.
This year’s record number of nominations highlights the vital role preservation projects play in the Newport community, according to NRF’s Director of Preservation, Alyssa Lozupone.
2025 Award Recipients:
Hope Street Barn (1901) received the Award for Restoration with Adaptive Reuse. Owners Laura and Wayne Glazier worked with architect Mohamad Farzan of NewPort Architecture, LLC, and contractor Damon Company to restore the 7 Hope Street Barn while sensitively adding modern elements like skylights to accommodate contemporary use.
Honeysuckle Carriage House (1886) earned the Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship. Owner Bernard Chiu and contractor Kirby Construction restored the Peabody & Stearns-designed carriage house in the Ochre Point National Register District to its historic appearance with exceptional attention to detail.
Ochre Court Cignaroli Ceiling Painting (ca. 1735) received the Award for Restoration and Engagement. Salve Regina University led the discovery, research, and restoration of the Giambettino Cignaroli ceiling mural, creating valuable contributions to art history while supporting student and community engagement. The project was co-directed by Michael Semenza and Jared Coleman, with Paul Miller of Cloud Hill Museum serving as project lead.
OVERLAP Gallery (ca. 1930) won the Adaptive Reuse and Community Impact Award. Owner Suzie Matthews transformed a former 1930s automotive service station into a vibrant community art gallery, working with ETT Architects, Joseph Scotti Construction, and landscape architect Martha Moore to preserve the building’s 20th-century character while enhancing the neighborhood’s vitality.
The awards support NRF’s broader mission of addressing climate change impacts on architectural heritage, expanding cultural storytelling, and investing in historic preservation trades training.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the September 5 celebration, with various levels offering exclusive perks including VIP access and special recognition. More information is available at newportrestoration.org/DDPA.
The Newport Restoration Foundation, established by philanthropist Doris Duke in 1968, preserves 18th and 19th century Newport’s architectural and cultural heritage through initiatives including Keeping History Above Water, the Historic Trades Initiative, and Telling Stories. The organization operates more than 70 historic rental properties and public sites including Rough Point and the 300-year-old Vernon House.
