Quapaw Quarter Association Announces Winners of Its 2026 Greater Little Rock Preservation Awards
Quapaw Quarter Association Announces Winners of Its 2026 Greater Little Rock Preservation Awards
Supporters will gather to celebrate the 2026 awardees at the QQA’s Annual Membership Meeting on November 12 at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.
Little Rock, Ark. – The Quapaw Quarter Association (QQA) has announced the awardees of the 2026 Greater Little Rock Preservation Awards, recognizing outstanding preservation work throughout the community. Established in 1980, the awards recognize preservation professionals, rehabilitation projects, preservation advocates, and other initiatives for their dedication to Greater Little Rock’s architectural and cultural history and their investment in the region’s future through historic preservation.The 2026 Greater Little Rock Preservation Awards will be presented on Thursday, November 12, at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock during the QQA’s Annual Membership Meeting.
Projects recognized in the 2026 awards includes:
Award of Merit | Commercial/Government-Led Rehabilitation
The Bob R. Brooks, Jr. Justice Building, historically known as the Boyle Building, is a downtown Little Rock landmark built in 1909 by prominent Arkansas architect George R. Mann. This award recognizes the preservation and rehabilitation of this significant historic building through the efforts of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and project partners Moses Tucker Partners and Arvest Bank. Additional partners include District Design Architecture, Shine Interior Design Studio, Equity Partners Holding, Central Construction, and North Delta Structural Engineering.
Award of Merit | Institution-Led Restoration
St. Edward Catholic Church, built between 1901 and 1905 by prominent Little Rock architect Charles L. Thompson, is recognized for its historic architecture and enduring presence in the community. This award honors the church congregation’s commitment to preserving and restoring its stained-glass windows, church organ, and architectural integrity. Special recognition is given to the contributions of Russ Matson of Matson Construction and Victor Vasquez.
Award of Merit | Institution-Led Restoration
Fraternal Historic Cemetery, established in 1888, is a historic Little Rock cemetery preserving African American history and heritage. With support from the Black History Commission of Arkansas and the Curtis H. Sykes Grant, this project helped preserve the cemetery’s historic markers and gravestones through cleaning and the discovery of previously buried markers. This award recognizes the contributions of the Friends of Oakland and Fraternal Historic Cemetery Board Members, Oakland and Fraternal Historic Cemetery Park City Board Members, Representative Denise Jones Ennett, John Rains, Sexton, David McDowell, Sexton Assistant, and the many volunteers whose efforts made this project possible.
Award of Merit | Residential Rehabilitation
The Wojhoski House, built in 1909, has been restored after suffering major damage from two separate fires and remaining vacant for many years. This award recognizes the successful rehabilitation of a seriously damaged historic home. Special recognition is given to homeowners Paula and Mark Cardillo, architect Ed Sergeant, contractor Jeff Lewis, and Antoinette Johnson for tax credit consultation and design.
Award of Merit | Residential Preservation Repairs
The Kavanuagh House, built in 1889-1899, underwent major repair work this past year. The restoration returned the home to near-original condition through extensive brick repointing, roof and gutter repairs, and careful restoration of historic doors, windows, and trim. The front porch was rebuilt with custom-cut cypress flooring, preserving the home’s historic character for generations to come. This award recognizes the dedication of homeowners, Marvin and Marcella Dalla Rosa, Murdaugh Masonry, US Heritage Group, Jon Klass, Bray Sheet Metal, Evaristo Vega, Wes Henderson, and Connie Wright Welding.
Award of Merit | Residential Rehabilitation
Now known as “The Mallard” this home was rehabilitated using the Arkansas State and Federal Historic Tax Credits. This rehabilitation prioritized repair over replacement, preserving original wood windows, doors, trim, flooring, built-ins, and fireplaces while addressing structural, termite, and water damage. Modern electrical, plumbing, and HVAC updates were integrated while retaining the home’s historic character and craftsmanship, bringing the residence back into active use. This award recognizes the continued work of the team at Chester Nests; Angela and Bobby Mathews, and Lynn Boyd,
Award of Merit | Residential Rehabilitation of a property on the Unsafe & Vacant list
The home at 2400 Daisy Bates Drive sat vacant and gutted for years before being lovingly restored, with original details and Craftsman features returned to the property. This award recognizes owner Paul Dodds of Urban Frontier, who has rehabilitated 19 other properties in the Central High School Neighborhood Historic District, and Alfonso Flores of Flores Remodeling, LLC, for their contributions to this project.
Award of Merit | Residential Rehabilitation
Affectionately known as the Halliburton Sisters, these twin townhomes are a unique pair of homes in Little Rock. Built in the Classical Revival style, the two homes had fallen into disrepair, and eventually sat vacant for many years. This award recognizes the work of Tony Keopaseuth, who kept the history for the houses alive while updating every mechanical aspect to modern standards. Both homes are listed for sale at the time of this publication.
Award of Merit | Appropriate infill in an historic setting
This newly built accessory dwelling unit was built to fit the scale and design of the surrounding historic properties. The front facade, interior milled trim, design, scale, and colorways creates an appropriate addition to the existing historic neighborhood. This award recognizes the continued work of the team at Chester Nests; Angela and Bobby Mathews, and Lynn Boyd.
Jimmy Strawn Award of Honor
The Jimmy Strawn Award is bestowed upon someone whose efforts on behalf of the preservation of Greater Little Rock’s architectural heritage are an inspiration to the entire community.
This year, we are recognizing Jimmy Carlisle, whose craftsmanship, patience, and dedication to historic preservation are evident in his careful restoration of original materials and recreation of historic details. By sharing his skills and recognizing the potential in buildings others might abandon, Jimmy helps preserve not only irreplaceable architectural features but entire historic structures for future generations. Jimmy has worked on over 100 projects in Little Rock, many of them starting on the Unsafe and Vacant list.
Tom Wilkes Award for outstanding service on the Board of Directors
This award is given by the QQA Board of Directors to recognize a member of the board for outstanding service. This year, we honor Richard Steinkamp, whose personal and professional history reflects a deep, longstanding connection to Little Rock’s historic neighborhoods. With family roots in the Mansion District dating to the 1880s, Richard’s commitment to preservation is grounded in generations of local history. After a distinguished career in law and public service, Richard returned to Little Rock in 2015, restoring the historic 1938 Mayer cottage. Through his service to the QQA and dedication to preserving the places that connect our community to its past, Richard has helped carry Little Rock’s architectural heritage forward for future generations.
The awards ceremony is free and open to the public, and QQA membership is not required to attend. The Association welcomes community members to join in celebrating the people and projects that help preserve Greater Little Rock’s historic places.
Event registration can be done through this link: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/qqa/6587/event/1476521
Those interested in supporting this work can learn more about the QQA and membership opportunities at quapaw.com
For more information, contact qqa@quapaw.com or call 501-371-0075, ext. 3.