City of Cape May Hosts 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony
- May 21
- 3 min read
The City of Cape May reaffirmed its deep commitment to historic preservation on Wednesday, May 13, as it revived the Historic Preservation Awards during a ceremony held at the iconic Chalfonte Hotel.
The event, hosted during National Historic Preservation Month, carried added meaning in 2026 as the city marks the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark. That milestone recognition helped solidify Cape May’s standing as one of the country’s most celebrated collections of Victorian architecture—and a model for preservation nationwide.
The awards ceremony recognizes the individuals, organizations, and property owners whose dedication ensures that Cape May’s architectural heritage remains protected and vibrant for generations to come.
Stewardship Award
This category honors the long-term care and protection of contributing and key contributing historic properties—often by owners whose quiet commitment has preserved these structures without the need for major alterations.
The Mainstay Inn — With a lineage of devoted ownership spanning decades—John and Ruth Pemberton (1949–1977), Tom and Sue Carroll (1977–2004), and Peter and Esther Scalone (2014–present)—this 154-year-old former Jackson Clubhouse stands as a premier example of meticulous preservation. The property remains a living showcase of Victorian elegance, welcoming visitors into a timeless experience shaped by generations of stewardship.
The Physick Estate (Cape May MAC) — Originally slated for demolition in the 1960s, Dr. Emlen Physick’s 1879 Stick Style mansion, designed by Frank Furness, was saved by a group of determined citizens who formed Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). Since 1970, the organization has carefully maintained the estate, which now serves as a cornerstone of the city’s Victorian identity and a public gateway to its history.
The Joseph Leach House (1011–1013 Lafayette Street) — This historic property stands as a tribute to Joseph Leach, an abolitionist, newspaper editor, and civic leader instrumental in shaping Cape May’s early infrastructure and police force. While recently adapted into condominiums, the building retains its historically appropriate exterior and continues to define the Lafayette Street streetscape for visitors entering the city.
Leadership Award
Recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership has had a lasting impact on preservation efforts:
Corbin Cogswell — A pillar of Cape May’s preservation community, Cogswell has contributed decades of service as a bed-and-breakfast pioneer and a 26-year Class A Commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission. His expertise as a restoration carpenter and his guidance have helped countless property owners uphold the city’s rigorous preservation standards. He continues to serve the community through volunteer work at the Episcopal Church of the Advent.
Preservation/Restoration Award
Honoring projects that exemplify the highest level of historical accuracy and material preservation:
1005 Beach Avenue — John and Jean Kuhler
Rehabilitation/Renovation Award
Recognizing sensitive updates that maintain a property’s historic character while allowing for modern use:
821 Washington Street — Lynn and Cheryl Marks
Additions Award
Celebrating projects that successfully incorporate new elements while preserving a structure’s historic integrity:
1125 New York Avenue — Santo, Mike, and Marybeth Formica
New Construction Award
Acknowledging new builds that thoughtfully complement the historic district’s scale, materials, and architectural rhythm:
523 Bank Street — Megan Lamb and Bryan Rowland
Adaptive Reuse Award
Highlighting projects that give historic structures new purpose while preserving their defining features:
710 Columbia Avenue — Christine Glazer
As Cape May reflects on five decades as a National Historic Landmark, the return of the Historic Preservation Awards underscores a shared understanding: the city’s charm is not accidental—it is the result of ongoing care, expertise, and community pride. Through the work of this year’s honorees, Cape May’s past continues to shape its future, one carefully preserved detail at a time.
To view photos from the awards courtesy of Aleksey Photography, please visit this link.
