The Ashland Historic Commission granted distinguished architectural preservation awards Thursday to four local properties and their associated owners, architects and contractors.

The awards were presented during National Historic Preservation month as part of the “This Place Matters” campaign. By mayoral proclamation, Historic Preservation Week was dedicated May 16-22 in Ashland.

Historic Commission Chair Dale Shostrom said the awards were decided upon in 2020 and delayed by a year due to the pandemic. Awards for 2021 will be given next year in May.

Houses at 692 B St. and 147 Central Ave. were highlighted for historically compatible residential additions, a property at 533 Fairview St. received the award as a historically compatible single-family home, and project manager Leonard Eisenberg received the Civic Award for Briscoe Geologic Park.

Homes and additions were selected as significant contributions to the “architectural integrity” of historic districts, and homeowners were praised for showing “sensitivity toward the aesthetics” of original historic houses.

Commissioners honored Briscoe Geologic Park as an attractive community education resource featuring quality craftsmanship and informative signage.

Mark Knox received an individual award for a 25-year career coordinating the relocation of historic homes, advocating for the preservation of Carpenter Hall, contributing to the renovation of Lithia Springs Hotel and catalyzing the relocation and preservation of the old Phillips home at 1068 E. Main St., according to the commission.

“Mark’s efforts have always been in the interest of our community, educating our citizens about the importance of saving our architectural heritage, for a better life and richer sense of our history here in Ashland,” said Commissioner Keith Swink. “Mark has established a well-earned reputation in our community of being a champion, defender and promoter of the importance of the preservation of our limited inventory of historic architectural resources.”

The next meeting of the Historic Commission is scheduled for June 2 at 6 p.m.