The West Chester Downtown Foundation (WCDF) recently presented Bricks and Mortar and Preservation Service awards to those whose projects helped highlight and preserve West Chester’s historic character.

Bricks and Mortar awards went to the Chester County Commissioners for rehabilitation and restoration of the ground floor of the historic Chester County Courthouse at 3 West Market St.; the James and Margaret Hudgings Twin House, 409-411 West Union St.; and First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner St.

This year’s Preservation Service Award went to the Chester County Historical Society for its school group walking tour titled “A Walk Through History.”  The tour takes students in the third through twelfth grades on a tour of the borough’s historic sites in the commercial and neighboring residential areas in the borough. Rob Lukens, Carol Samuelson and Vicki McKeefery accepted the award on behalf of the CCHS.

Jane E. Dorchester took home the Special Recognition Award for her committed efforts to establish the West Chester Historic Preservation Awards program. Jane was the person who developed the four-year-old awards program, and the committee wanted to recognize her for her selfless dedication.

All award winners received citations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives, Chester County Commissioners and Mayor Carolyn Comitta. Full award details are here:  http://wcdf.org/

WCDF is a non-profit organization that promotes community interest in the vitality, culture and liveability of downtown West Chester through education, historic preservation and collaboration.