Two Richmond-area nonprofits with interests in historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization will jointly assume the Golden Hammer Awards from the Better Housing Coalition (BHC) next year. Beginning in November 2017, Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design will co-present the awards to recognize professionals working in neighborhood revitalization, blight reduction and historic preservation in the Richmond region.
The Golden Hammer Awards have been presented for 16 years and administered by the Better Housing Coalition since 2011, when the former Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods merged with BHC and brought the awards program into the fold. Since that time, BHC recognized Golden Hammer Award winners during Groundbreakers, its legacy event honoring individuals and business partners whose leadership and vision have had a positive impact on Central Virginia communities and residents. BHC will retain Groundbreakers as its signature awards presentation.
The Golden Hammer transition reflects that award ceremony’s closer alignment with the respective missions of Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design, according to Greta Harris, BHC’s president and CEO.
Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design plan a call for 2017 Golden Hammer Award nominations in late March, with a presentation at an event scheduled for November 2.