Brownstoner Columnist Suzanne Spellen Wins Preservation Award

Brownstoner columnist Suzanne Spellen, who writes under the name Montrose Morris, has been chosen by the Historic Districts Council as one of the recipients of its Annual Grassroots Preservation Awards. The nonprofit group advocates for historic preservation, and helps local community organizations in their work to preserve and improve their neighborhoods.

“We’re thrilled to be honoring Suzanne,” Historic Districts Council Executive Director Simeon Bankoff told us. “Through her columns, she’s introduced readers to the interesting histories of the buildings they pass every day and, hopefully, made people go out of their way to see these buildings for themselves. More than that, through her research, her writing, her tours and her work with the Crown Heights North Association and more, she’s become a steady, solid force for preservation in Brooklyn.”

Suzanne is being honored for her years of writing about Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, architecture, people and historic preservation on Brownstoner, as well as for leading walking tours, giving lectures and working with the Crown Heights North Association. Above, Suzanne and fellow preservationist Morgan Munsey during a walking tour of Crown Heights North.

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Suzanne said. “I love what I’m doing, I love Brooklyn, and I’m glad it is resonating not only with the preservation community, but with others as well. I think it shows that if you don’t give up on your dreams and have faith, you can succeed in ways you never dreamed possible.”

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the New York Landmarks Law, this year’s awards party will be held at the Museum of the City of New York, where “Saving Place: 50 Years of the New York City Landmarks Law” is on exhibit. The event will take place Thursday, May 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. For more information, and to buy tickets, go here.

Photo via Victorian Society of New York