In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Rock Island Preservation Society (RIPS) presented its annual Historic Preservation Awards at the Rock Island City Council meeting on Monday, May 16, 2011.

Each year RIPS honors individuals, groups, or businesses who have made special efforts to preserve or restore historic structures in our community or whose actions have served to support historic preservation in Rock Island.  Our awards are given primarily for exterior restoration that can be enjoyed from public right of way and are for work which was completed during the previous year.

This year we presented a single preservation award.  And unlike our previous award winners, this home would best be described as an example of recent past architecture. 

Recent past architecture would include structures as diverse as Blackhawk Lodge, Rock Island High School, Rock Island City Hall, the homes in the neighborhoods of Stadium Drive, Weisman Addition and Watch Hill, the Lustron House and Steepmeadow.  All of these structures and more combine to tell the story of Rock Island during the 20^th century. 

Award

The Lerch House  1424 45^th Avenue

Honoree: Jim and Pat Lerch

Built in 1948, this brick house is typical of the style referred to as “Mid-Century Modern.” It was built by Al Kurth, who was the father of Jim’s Aunt Lillian Kurth Lerch.  It has been in the family since that time.  The home had always been well maintained and there was no need for a restoration project until July 21, 2008, when it was caught in the shear winds of a 6am derecho windstorm that hit south Rock Island.  

Three massive oak trees fell, with one taking a significant part of the Lerch home with it.  Roof and walls had to be replaced.  One restoration company representative advised, “This will cost more than $100,000.  I’d just tear it down and start over.” But this was unacceptable to the Lerches, who instead chose to restore their home.

A significant decision was made in the method of repairing the damaged brick wall of the home which was in a very visible area.  To replace the destroyed brick which could not be matched with modern brick, they opted to remove and reuse original vintage brick from the not-seen back of a side porch.  The restoration project was completed with sensitivity and pride.