The Dana Crawford Awards Dinner is Colorado's largest statewide preservation awards assembly, honoring individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution toward preserving Colorado's built history. The evening's namesake is Dana Crawford, a pioneer in saving historic buildings that were viewed as derelict eyesores and in proving that their restoration makes economic sense. Each year Colorado honors the efforts of individuals, projects, and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to the saving of Colorado's built heritage. Starting in 1988 with the State Honor Awards and adding the Dana Crawford Award in 1990, we have recognized accomplishments in the areas of preservation, rehabilitation, promotion, philanthropy and leadership.

Dr. Charles Brantigan
Denver, CO

Charles Brantigan and his wife, Kathy, have been involved in historic preservation since moving to Lafayette Street in inner city Denver in the early 1980's, saving a number of historic buildings. Since that time they have created the Lafayette Street Historic District, moved and locally designated the McBird House and restored their office, the Gebhard Mansion and listed it on the National Register. Their latest project is the Como Roundhouse.

Chuck is the biographer of several prominent Victorian architects and his reference works are used daily at the Denver public Library Western History Collection. He serves as the chairman of the Uptown Hospital District Urban Design Forum whose mission includes preserving the historic fabric of the Uptown neighborhood. Dr. Brantigan feels greatly honored by this award from Colorado Preservation, Inc.

Manzanola Depot
Manzanola, CO

The rehabilitation of the Manzanola Train Depot represents the very best ideals of historic preservation. When this rural community of less than 600 people decided to transform the critically deteriorated 1913 Santa Fe Railroad Train Depot into city offices, a senior center and museum they undertook a project that would ultimately involve more than a dozen agencies and local foundations. Community members undertook fundraising and research efforts, and forged unique partnerships which included inmates at a nearby Correctional Facility who created the furnishing for the new building. As one of the first major historic restorations of a public building in the county, this project has served as a shining example of what can be accomplished when a rural community commits to preserving its history and heritage.

Col. (Ret) David R. Hughes
Colorado Springs, CO

Col. (Ret) David R. Hughes was a key player in the 1976 economic, cultural, and architectural revitalization of Old Colorado City, a historic but blighted area on the west side of Colorado. Today it is a vibrant, popular commercial and residential neighborhood. He helped organize the Organization of Westside Neighbors (OWN) representing the 20,000 residents of the area and was instrumental in Old Colorado City being recognized as Colorado Springs' first National Register of Historic Places District in 1982. He is an active Board member of the Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS).

Dave's passion, creativity, and leadership towards the protection and interpretation of state and especially local heritage continue to challenge and inspire others. He was instrumental in establishing a Colorado City Historic Overlay Zone project with matching funds from OWN and OCCHS. He continues to write extensively, on line and for publication. After retiring from the military and along with his many civic interests, Hughes continued running his own advanced telecommunications business. He has been honored as an Internet Pioneer. He continues to research and fund technological ways to tell Colorado City's unique history globally. Hughes is a third generation Colorado native and has received the high honor of Distinguished West Point Graduate from his alma mater.