The Historic Districts Council (HDC) presented its 24th annual Grassroots Preservation Awards at Saint Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery on the evening of June 18th. Several AYON Studio staff members attended, along with Principal Angel Ayón, who delivered a charming introduction to one of the esteemed honorees, Ann-Isabel Friedman.
The recipient of the Mickey Murphy Lifetime Achievement Award, Ann is the Sacred Sites Director for the New York Landmarks Conservancy (NYLC),* and is affectionately known as the “Jewish Church Lady.” Her unwavering efforts over 23 year career include guiding congregations through their complex building issues. Her long-standing relationships with a remarkable number of institutions that received Sacred Sites grants from NYLC landed her the deserving reputation of a self-described “yenta,” matchmaking congregations with skilled preservation professionals like AYON Studio. Ann’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and spirit have endeared her to countless colleagues and grant recipients and earned their admiration and respect.
Throughout its history, HDC Historic Districts Council has honored more than 150 individuals, community groups, coalitions, elected officials, and press outlets for their achievements. Along with Ann, its 2024 ceremony also included the following awardees: The Cadman Park Conservancy, Friends of the Lower West Side, and Metro Area Governors Island Coalition (M.A.G.I.C.), as well as the inaugural awardees of the Jeffrey Kroessler Student Research Award: Weijie “Christina” Sun from Columbia University, GSAPP, and William Dunsmore from Bard Graduate Center.
* Update: Ann retired from her NYLC duties on October 1.