HAND wins historic preservation award for downtown rehab projects

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CIN COM 0926 HAND preservation award
Hamilton Area Neighborhood Development won Indiana Landmarks’ Servaas Memorial Award for restoring vacant 19th century buildings as apartments. Indiana Landmarks notes that the organization’s projects, steered by, from left, HAND’s Jennifer Miller, Michelle Westermeier and Andrea Davis, have revived an area of downtown Noblesville. (Submitted photo)

A Noblesville nonprofit recently received recognition from Indiana Landmarks’ annual Servaas Memorial Awards.

Hamilton Area Neighborhood Development was awarded earlier this month for achievement in historic preservation, also winning $2,000.

“The organization creates housing for low-income people in the wealthiest county in the state – a steep challenge when census data sends grant funds elsewhere,” Indiana Landmarks President Marsh Davis said.

HAND restored three historic buildings to provide low-income apartments and also revived a blighted area in downtown Noblesville. The Roper Lofts occupy two formerly deteriorated vacant buildings, 304 and 347 S. Eighth St., built in 1870 and 1898, respectively.

HAND expanded its presence on the block, tackling a late-19th century building across the street that had been vacant 10 years.

“We applaud HAND’s restoration standards and its commitment to combining low-income housing, preservation and community revitalization,” Davis said.

HAND’s Executive Director Jennifer Miller accepted the award.

An award also was given to Fountain County Landmarks, and Sallie Rowland of Indianapolis was awarded the Williamson Prize for individual leadership in preservation.

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