Every year, Preservation Maryland’s Best of Maryland Awards recognize the people, organizations, projects, and places making a meaningful difference in the preservation and revitalization of Maryland’s historic communities.
The 2026 award recipients represent the many ways preservation happens across the state—from adaptive reuse and community revitalization to exceptional craftsmanship, volunteer service, and decades of professional leadership.
This year’s honorees include preservation advocates, public servants, craftspeople, businesses, and volunteers whose work demonstrates the lasting value of Maryland’s historic places.
President’s Leadership Award
Ed T. McMahon — Frederick County
The President’s Leadership Award honors Ed T. McMahon for his lifetime of service to the preservation and conservation movements.
Throughout his career, McMahon has been a prominent voice for historic preservation, smart growth, and the importance of protecting the character and history of communities. His decades of leadership have helped shape the national conversation around preservation and sustainable community development.
Preservation Champion
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball — Howard County
The Preservation Champion Award recognizes Howard County Executive Calvin Ball for his commitment to preservation in Ellicott City and throughout Howard County.
From historic Ellicott City to communities across the county, preservation plays an important role in maintaining local character while supporting vibrant, resilient places. This award recognizes Ball’s leadership and commitment to that work.
The Phoenix Award
SquashWise — Baltimore City
The Phoenix Award celebrates SquashWise for the adaptive reuse of Baltimore’s historic Greyhound Bus Terminal in Mount Vernon.
The project demonstrates the power of adaptive reuse to give a historic building new purpose while supporting community needs. Once a transportation hub, the building is being transformed into a place that connects historic preservation with education, opportunity, and community.
Smart Growth Excellence Award
Ekiben — Frederick County
The Smart Growth Excellence Award recognizes Ekiben for the adaptive reuse of 500 N. Market Street in the Downtown Frederick Main Street District.
The project brings new life to an existing historic building while contributing to the continued vitality of downtown Frederick. It is an example of how preservation and economic development can work together to strengthen established communities.
Stewardship Award
Durable Slate — Baltimore City
The Stewardship Award recognizes Durable Slate for the restoration and adaptive reuse of Baltimore’s historic Crips Memorial Church into a vibrant education facility serving as a new annex to Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School.
The project gives a historic building a new role within the community while preserving its place in Baltimore’s architectural and cultural landscape. It demonstrates how thoughtful stewardship can connect historic buildings to the needs of future generations.
Artisan Award
Sprigg Lynn — Montgomery County
The Artisan Award honors Sprigg Lynn in recognition of more than four decades of exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, teaching, and stewardship in the field of historic wood-floor restoration and preservation.
A third-generation wood-floor craftsman and owner of Universal Floors, Lynn has built a career around preserving one of the often-overlooked elements of historic buildings: their floors. His work reflects generations of knowledge and the specialized craftsmanship required to care for historic materials.
The award recognizes not only his exceptional work, but also his leadership and commitment to teaching and sustaining the craft for future generations.
Gearhart Professional Service Award
Kevin Baynes — Statewide
The Gearhart Professional Service Award recognizes Kevin Baynes for his years of professional service leading the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s State Revitalization Programs.
Through his work in state revitalization programs, Baynes has helped advance investment in Maryland communities and support the continued revitalization of historic places across the state. The award recognizes his years of professional leadership and service.
George T. Harrison Outstanding Volunteer Award
Bobby Shores & Captain Stoney Whitelock — Somerset County
The George T. Harrison Outstanding Volunteer Award honors Bobby Shores and Captain Stoney Whitelock for their ongoing volunteer work at the Skipjack Heritage Museum.
Their dedication helps preserve and share Maryland’s maritime heritage and the stories of the Chesapeake Bay’s working waterfronts. Their continued volunteer service demonstrates the important role individuals can play in keeping local history alive and accessible to their communities.
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Join us in celebrating the 2026 Best of Maryland Award winners on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at The Winslow at the Parker Metal Building in Baltimore.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!