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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNomination Form SubmissionQ1: Your Name Elizabeth Darrow Q2: Your Email Address elizabeth.darrow@gmail.com Q3: Phone Number 206-660-7645 Q4: Name of Nominee (Property, Project, Group, or Individual) Friends of the Story Mansion Q5: Address/Location (if applicable) 811 S. Willson, Bozeman, MT 59715 Q6: Award Category Preservation Stewardship & Leadership Q7: Statement of Merit - Why do you believe this nominee deserves a Historic Preservation Award? The Friends of the Story Mansion (501c3 2009) exemplifies outstanding leadership and stewardship in historic preservation in Bozeman and has remained the driving force behind the partial restoration, preservation, and enduring relevance of the Story Mansion and Park for over 18 years. The Story Mansion's fate is inextricably bound to the Friends who are dedicated to the Mansion's preservation and are the focus of this nomination. The Story Mansion, built for his family by T. Byron Story (son of Nelson) in 1910 remains one of Montana’s grandest historic residences and later became home to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon a MSU fraternity who occupied it until early 2003 when dwindling fraternity membership and rising costs, sparking threats of redevelopment or even demolition. In 2003, the City of Bozeman purchased the property to preserve it for civic use, but the challenge of long-term maintenance stalled progress with threats of sale as a private property. Then a grassroots ad hoc group called “Save the Story Mansion” proposed a viable restoration business plan in 2009 that gained ground through directed activism with hopes to retain the building for public ownership as “Friends of The Story Mansion” which received increasing broad community support. This unfolded alongside a City Commission that voted to match the US Department of Interior award, Save America's Treasures Grant. This remains the largest grant in US history still ever given to a local project in this category. Thus the "story" begins and evolves. https://friendsofthestory.org/ Q8: If a Project: Briefly describe the type of work completed. Please include relevant history of the structure (year built, original purpose, etc.) This project is ongoing. The Story Mansion, built in 1910 by Bozeman business leader T. Byron Story son of Nelson Story and designed by prominent architect C.S. Haire (1857–1925), is a major cultural and architectural landmark in Bozeman. Situated in the historic Bon Ton District, it is one of only three surviving city-block mansions in Montana and the last to come under public ownership. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and granted Landmark status, the Mansion underwent significant renovations in 2008 with funding from the largest Save America’s Treasures grant in U.S. history, matched by the City of Bozeman. Its legacy and transformation make it the perfect example for focusing on Adaptive Reuse in historic preservation—Friends of the Story Mansion are integral to this long process of collaboration honoring what has been preserved and looking ahead to completing the restoration for full community use. Enduring Leadership: For over 18 years, the Friends of the Story Mansion (FOSM) has demonstrated consistent leadership through a dedicated Board and thousands of volunteer hours, fostering collaboration and engagement across the community. FOSM has provided strategic advocacy at all levels of local government, maintained broad volunteer engagement, and upheld strong nonprofit standards. Stewardship: Through imaginative and educational events, FOSM has generated essential financial support for the Mansion’s maintenance and restoration while inspiring community participation in its ongoing stewardship. Collaborative Partnerships: A key achievement includes developing a visionary Business Plan and Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Bozeman, establishing a model of mutual trust and shared responsibility for the Mansion’s preservation and use. Advancing Historic Awareness: FOSM has deepened community understanding of Bozeman’s historic neighborhoods and their importance in the National Register of Historic Places, reinforcing the need to protect the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Q9: If an Individual or Organization : Provide a summary of contributions to local history and how they promote cultural heritage. However, FOSM’s contributions extend far beyond immediate preservation efforts. The organization has provided a critical leadership model of community engagement in historic preservation, while forging a complex partnership with the City of Bozeman. Through Friend's advocacy, activism, education, and creativity, the Story has become a cultural hub and hosting countless community events that have enriched the lives of residents, families, and local organizations. FOSM has championed the Mansion’s existence and cultural value, while navigating fierce local political and philosophical debates about public versus private ownership of this historic structure. Friends' diligent commitment for years has insured (so far) that the Mansion remains accessible to all as a publicly owned community gathering place and rare example of Montana's history in the built environment. FOSM continues its work to guide and participate in the complete rehabilitation of this beloved building. Q10: Upload photos or supporting documents Friends of The Story FINAL Aug 27 (1).doc Q11: Upload photos or supporting documents Adaptive flyer (2) (4) (1).pdf Q12: Upload photos or supporting documents Citizens Initiative final.docx Q13: Upload photos or supporting documents Guest Editorial with Kirchhoff 2008.doc Q14: Upload photos or supporting documents July 19 2012 EFOSM minutes.docx Q15: Photo Use Permissions I grant permission for the City of Bozeman to use submitted photos in print and digital publications Q16: If you are submitting on behalf of someone else or a property owner, are they aware of the nomination? Yes Q17: If yes, please provide their contact information (email and/or phone number) FOSM Felix Spinelli Q18: Are there other people or organizations affiliated with this nomination that you would like to acknowledge? Yes Q19: If yes, please provide their contact information. Felix Spinelli: Current President of FOSM 2018- and Current Board Members: Tieramayne Kanigan, William Scharnberg , "Van Steenburg, Eric" , Victoria Lyons , 1. Andrew Epple President FOSM 2010-2018: Director of Planning and Community Development, City of Bozeman, MT -- 1987-2009 2. Jane Klockman Founder Save the Story Mansion & President FOSM & Board Member Senior Advisor 2008-2021 3. Dede Taylor Founder of Save the Story Mansion & Secretary FOSM 2007-2012 4. Amanda Drysdale: Founder Save the Story Mansion & Treasurer FOSM 5. Derek Strahn Historic Preservation Officer & Advocate 1984-2014 6. Steve Kirchoff Bozeman City Commission, Mayor of Bozeman, Supporter of FOSM 2006- 7. ·Kaaren Jacobson: Bozeman City Commissioner & Mayor, FOSM Board 8. Ben Lloyd (COMMA Q): Architect and Designer SAT Grant 9. Todd Wilkinson Journalist 10. Paul Heaston Graphic Artist of Story Mansion Images & author Main Street 11. Chris Kukulski, Bozeman City Manager 2004-2017