Alliance Preservation Awards
The Alliance Area Preservation Society's Preservation Award honors noteworthy preservation projects in the greater Alliance area. These awards are an opportunity for the Society to recognize the efforts of property owners and the often heroic work they perform in preserving the historic and architectural resources in our area. The awards also encourage historic preservation and acknowledge that good preservation can be found in the restoration of the most modest residence to the grandest mansion.
2014 Preservation Award Recipients:
South Union Ave
3285 South Union, built 1850
Located south of the original town of Mount Union, the most outstanding feature of this large house is the full length porch with Doric columns across the front, probably an early 20th century "update" to the original farmhouse that was built by Amos and Esther Brosius. The property has been an apple orchard and a horse farm. A large bank barn, built in 1904 remains along with the summer kitchen, an outhouse and the chimney of a log cabin.
Christ United
Methodist Church -
470 East Broadway, built 1896
Known as "The Church on the Hill," the former First Methodist Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed of sandstone and brick in the soaring Victorian Gothic Style, it dominates the downtown skyline with its towers, multiple rooflines and revolving illuminated cross. The congregation continues to meet the challenge of maintaining and preserving this unique Alliance treasure.
2015 Preservation Award Recipients:
227 West Main
Built c. 1870
This is an example of the Italianate Style of domestic architecture that was very popular in the mid 19th century in Alliance. It was built by Jacob Lower, who sold livestock and owned many acres around the house. The present owner has been there since 1981 and has undertaken many jobs to maintain and restore the house including tuck pointing the mortar, restoring an original mantelpiece and rebuilding the front porch.
The Firehouse Theater
Built 1905
This was the Central Fire Station for Alliance originally. It was one of three stations built by the City shortly after the professional paid fire and police departments were established. The Romanesque Revival style of architecture was chosen for its association with medieval castles and fortresses which lends a sense of security and protection. Roscoe T. Sharer, a member of the Board of Public Safety said at the dedication of the building in 1906 that it was “a monument to the progressive spirit of the City of Alliance.” In 1977 it became the home of the Carnation City Players and alterations were made to accommodate their unique needs. It is still owned by the City of Alliance.
