City seeks nominees for preservation awards

The City of Biloxi, which saw nearly half of its landmarks properties destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, is now seeking nominations for this year’s Historic Preservation Awards.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 11, with awards to be presented in a ceremony at the Biloxi Visitors Center on May 31.

“New additions such as the Biloxi Visitors Center, the new Biloxi Public Library and the Biloxi Civic Center go a long way to helping maintain the architectural character of our city,” said Biloxi Historical Administrator Bill Raymond, “but we also want to recognize and encourage those individuals, businesses and organizations who are protecting, promoting and restoring our architectural history, cultural history and traditions.”

Nominees do not have to live in Biloxi but the preservation efforts being recognized by the award should take place in Biloxi.

Said Raymond, “Awards in past years have been given to homeowners for restoration efforts, professional preservationist, as well as individuals for volunteer work to promote our City’s diverse cultural heritage.”

Those wishing to submit nominations for the preservation awards can find a form on the city’s web site (to see the form now, click here.)

Of the city’s 160 designated landmarks, 60 were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since that time, the city has awarded landmark status to a number of additional properties.

For more information, contact Raymond at (228) 435-6280 or at braymond@biloxi.ms.us.