From Staff Reports

On March 27, 2008 in Greenville, S.C., Mayor John Douglas of Chesterfield will be presented with the Elected Official Honor Award recognizing his significant efforts to the preservation of South Carolina's historic architecture. The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation will hand out this and several more 2008 Historic Preservation Awards at an afternoon ceremony on the first of the two-day Landmark and Preservation Conference in Greenville.

"As Chesterfield continues to grow and evolve, I want to continue to work to ensure that the historic integrity of our community is preserved," said Mayor Douglas, who was born and raised in Chesterfield and has governed the town of roughly 1,300 for the past 14 years.

Under Douglas, the Town of Chesterfield has created and expanded its local historic district, which comprises two National Register Historic Districts, and has received a grant to place new signage in this district. The town has been designated a Preserve America community and a Certified Local Government, with access to preservation funding and training. Additionally, a 1950s "separate but equal" elementary school building has been renovated to serve as the town's YMCA, and the Depression-era Craig Park has been cleaned and restored for public enjoyment and appreciation.

Perhaps the biggest preservation project Mayor Douglas has spearheaded is the 2005 acquisition and renovation of the Old County Courthouse, dating back to 1884 and previously owned by Chesterfield County. Once fully restored, this building will hold a visitor's center, chamber of commerce, gift shop, art gallery, genealogical research library, museum and performing arts center in downtown Chesterfield.

"Chesterfield is very fortunate to have its inventory of historic structures dating back to the late 1700s, and these buildings play a key role in the positive image this town enjoys," said the mayor. "But we must be vigilant in protecting our uniqueness so that we do not become another 'Anytown, USA.'"

"Considering his personal dedication to preserving the historic resources of his town, Chesterfield's Mayor Douglas was a shoe-in for the Elected Official Honor Award," said Mike Bedenbaugh, Executive Director of the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation. "I'm happy to present this award to such a thoughtful and focused leader."

On behalf of the Trust, Bedenbaugh will present this and several other Historic Preservation Awards at the Hyatt Regency Greenville on March 27 at 1 p.m. The S.C. Department of Archives and History and the Governor's Office are also co-sponsoring the awards ceremony, which is free and open to the public without conference registration.

The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the irreplaceable architectural heritage of South Carolina through efforts of advocacy, education, preservation and networking. The Palmetto Trust is South Carolina's only statewide partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, see www.palmettotrust.org or call 803-896-6234.