CHICAGO (November 17, 2017) — Retired Lt. Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker was honored tonight with the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Award for Architectural Excellence at the 8th Annual Awards Gala at The Racquet Club of Chicago. Pritzker, who is the founder and president of TAWANI Enterprises and a notable philanthropist, has built a legacy around preserving and restoring properties that represent historical and cultural significance. TAWANI Foundation, one of the philanthropic arms of TAWANI Enterprises, is also the presenting sponsor of the annual awards gala.
The SAH Awards for Architectural Excellence represent a unique coming together of architectural practice and academic study. The SAH Awards Gala is the Society’s largest annual fundraising event with proceeds supporting SAH’s educational programs and publications, and the continued restoration of its landmark headquarters in Chicago, Charnley-Persky House (1891–1892), designed by Adler & Sullivan with then-draftsman Frank Lloyd Wright.
“This year’s honorees represent some of the best and most innovative work being done in architecture and historic preservation today,” said Pauline Saliga, executive director of the Society of Architectural Historians. “The honorees showed a remarkable sensitivity to the needs and preferences of this dynamic, growing market by incorporating elements like green building, universal design and structural aesthetics.”
Other winners include Awards for Architectural Excellence to Ralph Johnson, FAIA, Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee.
In addition to leading TAWANI, Pritzker is the founder and chairwoman of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library. She has supported community-based restoration projects, including three in the Rogers Park area – the Lang House (1919), which now functions as a bed and breakfast, Mayne Stage (1912), an Art Deco event space featuring a lounge and performance area, and the Emil Bach House (1921) designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which functions as a vacation rental and event space. She is also co-owner of two historical mansions in Evanston, which both serve as luxury bed and breakfasts. Stone Terrace Bed and Breakfast, which was built as a Queen Anne in 1883 and converted to a Tudor Revival Style in 1910. Stone Porch by the Lake, which is also a historic Tudor Revival Style mansion, was built in 1889. Pritzker also co-owns Lincoln Way Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast along the famous Lincoln Highway in Franklin Grove, Illinois.
“Historic preservation is vital to our nation’s heritage, economic development and community revitalization,” said Pritzker. “Many buildings of historical significance have experienced the type of deterioration plaguing the structures of many aging buildings. They suffer from structural, safety and building system deficiencies, requiring comprehensive internal and external renovations. Each one is reminiscent of earlier times and if not restored, are a social and economic liability and a danger to the public’s safety and welfare in their present condition.”
To further support Pritzker’s dedication and investment to historic preservation and restoration, and bring new life into these historic buildings, the TAWANI Foundation recently made a $1 million gift and $1 million challenge grant to support the $25 million comprehensive restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple (1906–1908) in Oak Park, Illinois.
Among the other awards Pritzker has received for her preservation work include winning the 2017 Design Evanston award for Stone Terrace, the 2016 Legendary Landmark by Landmarks Illinois and the 2016 Margery B. Perkins Award by the City of Evanston, also for Stone Terrace. Both Evanston honors she shared with Paul Janicki Architects, Berglund Construction, and others who worked on the project.
For more information about retired Lt. Col. Jennifer Pritzker and TAWANI Enterprises visit https://tawanienterprises.com/wp. For additional information about the TAWANI Foundation, visit http://www.tawanifoundation.org.
About the TAWANI Foundation
Founded in 2002, TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization, the TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that contributed more than $12.3 million (fiscal year 2016) in grants to provide support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBT and human rights, education and environmental initiatives. For more information about the TAWANI Foundation or to learn more about its impact, awards and focus, visit http://www.tawanifoundation.org.
About TAWANI Enterprises
TAWANI Enterprises, headquartered in Chicago, is an investment group specializing in the development, investment, management and preservation of real estate properties in the Chicago area. The company represents a diversified portfolio of iconic brands, such as Stone Heritage Properties, a luxury collection of historic Bed & Breakfast properties and unique event spaces, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the TAWANI Foundation and the Pritzker Military Foundation. Properties under the Stone Heritage Collection includes Stone Terrace, Stone Porch by the Lake, Lang House, The Emil Bach House and The Lincoln Way Inn. For more information, visit https://tawanienterprises.com/wp.