Park Slope Preservation Awards

The Ortner Awards recognize projects that are compatible with the historic architecture of Park Slope and interventions by individuals or groups to protect the neighborhood’s historic character. Through the awards the Civic Council seeks to encourage projects and endeavors that make a positive contribution to maintaining or enhancing Park Slope’s unique identity.

The awards honor Evelyn Ortner (1924-2006) and Everett Ortner (1919-2012), long-time residents of and advocates for the community who, beginning in the 1960s, played a pivotal role in transforming Park Slope – then a neighborhood in decline – into the vibrant community that it is today. The Ortners were also at the forefront of efforts to prevent the demolition of historic urban neighborhoods, often under Federal urban renewal programs. By encouraging people to purchase decaying houses in Park Slope and other historic neighborhoods, the Ortners helped these communities regain their social and economic vitality. The couple also played key roles in the creation of the Park Slope Historic District, now the largest landmarked district in New York City.

The awards honor projects and endeavors in six categories:

• Exterior Restoration: the significant repair of and/or replacement of architectural details that preserve the integrity of the structure’s decorative and functional elements.
• Exterior Rehabilitation: significant exterior modifications, alterations and/or additions to a building in a manner compatible with its original architectural character.
• Adaptive Reuse: transformation of a building to serve a new purpose while maintaining its architectural integrity, thereby sustaining the unique identity of the neighborhood.
• New Construction: design and construction of a new building that, while clearly contemporary, complements the historic character of neighboring structures.
• Storefront Design: construction of a new storefront or the modification of an existing storefront that reflects an appreciation of the historic character of the neighborhood and enhances the appearance of one of its commercial districts.
• Neighborhood Intervention: action by an individual or group to prevent the demolition or disfigurement of a historic structure.

All applications must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The building must be within the area bounded by Flatbush Avenue, Plaza Street West, Prospect Park West, the Prospect Expressway and the west side of Fourth Avenue.
• The project must comply with applicable New York City codes.
• Projects must have been completed within the last 10 years.

For more information or to make a nomination, please contact the award committee at ortnerawards@parkslopeciviccouncil.org