Houston’s Preservation Efforts Honored at 2025 Cornerstone Dinner
Houston’s history buffs gathered in style for the 2025 Cornerstone Dinner, an annual event that celebrates the city’s architectural heritage. The evening, held on February 28 at the River Oaks Country Club, honored the visionaries who are safeguarding the city’s historic buildings and raised $245,000 for Preservation Houston.
A Night of Elegance and Entertainment
The event, chaired by Nancy and Walter Bratic, was attended by 350 preservation enthusiasts. The emcee duo, Deborah Duncan and Bill Stubbs, entertained the guests with their witty banter and reverence for tradition. The evening’s festivities included a tribute to the infamous pecan ball, a beloved dessert that has become a staple of the event. As one guest joked, "Come for the preservation, stay for the pecan ball."
Honoring the Guardians of Houston’s Heritage
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 President’s Award to developer and preservationist Jon Deal. Deal, the founder of The Deal Company, has transformed numerous forgotten buildings into vibrant cultural and creative spaces. His projects, including the reimagining of the Riviana Rice silos and the Sawyer Yards arts campus, have helped to revitalize Houston’s heritage.
The Good Brick Awards: Celebrating Innovation and Integrity
The Good Brick Awards, now in their 45th year, recognized a range of projects that exemplify innovation and integrity in preservation. The honorees included the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard, Diane and Ray Krueger, and Julia Long. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated a commitment to preserving Houston’s historic buildings while also adapting them for modern use.
Guests and Supporters
The event was attended by a range of notable guests, including Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Sarah Balinskas and Jeff DeBevec, Twila Carter, Lynn and Ty Kelly, Mary Lambrakos, and National Trust for Historic Preservation president and CEO Carol Quillen. Other attendees included Susan and Alan Rafte, Milton Townsend, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Carey Kirkpatrick, Lil and Matt Kades, Minette Boesel, Nicole and Joey Romano, and Ed Schneider and Toni Oplt.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cornerstone Dinner was a resounding success, celebrating the efforts of those who are working to preserve Houston’s architectural heritage. The event raised important funds for Preservation Houston and highlighted the importance of honoring the city’s past while also embracing its future. As the guests departed, they were no doubt inspired by the evening’s message: that preserving the past is essential to building a vibrant and sustainable future for Houston.
