Warwick City Hall is among the 11 projects, places, and people that will be honored at the fifth annual Rhode Island Preservation Celebration at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick from 4 to 7 p.m. this Sunday.

The Rhody Awards, chosen by Preserve Rhode Island (PRI) and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) from nominations by the public, honor individuals, organizations and projects for their contributions to the preservation of Rhode Island ’s historic places.

East Coast Masonry & Restoration Inc. of Johnston represents the culmination of three generations of Rhode Island masons. Michael St. Angelo Sr. learned the trade while working alongside his uncle. When he established his own business, he mentored his son, Michael Jr., on the job. In 1996, the father-son team created East Coast Masonry & Restoration Inc., and together they have garnered a reputation for exceptional workmanship.

East Coast Masonry & Restoration’s extensive project list includes some of Rhode Island’s most significant historic structures. The firm’s meticulous repair of the four marble tourelles that grace the corners of the dome at the Rhode Island State House (1895-1904) was a technically complex project performed at a heart-stopping elevation. The multi-phase brownstone restoration project at the John Brown House (1786-88) in Providence included repairs to the portico, entry stairs and main gate. At the Kent County Courthouse (1805-06, now East Greenwich Town Hall) the firm’s masons carefully dismantled the brownstone staircase, preserved and re-installed the sidewalls, and replaced the treads in kind. The firm’s contribution to the restoration of Warwick City Hall (1892 -84) is being recognized with a 2014 Rhody Award.

Warwick City Hall) to express Warwick’s soaring civic aspirations. Designed by William R. Walker & Son and completed in 1894, the three-story, mansard-roofed, brick and granite, Colonial Revival building featured a six-story clock tower visible from miles away. As Warwick grew into a city, however, the old town house suffered from overuse.

Since he took office in 2000, Mayor Scott Avedisian has completed two ambitious preservation projects at City Hall. The first, completed in 2002, was the restoration of the Council Chamber – from recreating the historic paint scheme to installing new seating and wood flooring. The second project focused on the building’s façade. With $772,035 in place from a

State Preservation Grant, a Save America’s Treasures Grant, and city funds, the scaffolding went up in July 2013. Working closely with the city’s preservation planner Patricia Reynolds, contractor E.F. O’Donnell & Sons (who had completed the interior work in 2002) oversaw a talented crew of workers and subcontractors. They completed structural repairs, installed new copper on the dome, repaired and replaced decorative elements in kind, painted woodwork, repointed masonry, and reconditioned the weathervane. Additional funds were secured for improvements at the entrance like granite stair repairs, new brass handrails, and a brick plaza.

Also, the clock received special attention: cleaning, replacing and gilding the numerals, and returning the mechanism and bell to working order. Since Christmas 2013, the bell has tolled every hour on the hour, sounding out Warwick’s civic pride. And it seems that everybody within earshot gets the message.

Additional efforts to restore buildings, reorganize traffic patterns, redevelop underused properties, and complete streetscape improvements are underway in Apponaug Village.

The Rhode Island Preservation Celebration and Rhody Awards event is open to the public. Tickets cost $30 before Sept. 24, or $35 at the door. To buy a ticket or request more information, call 272-5101 or visit www.preserveri.org.

Rhody Awards Digest 2014

Antoinette F. Downing Volunteer Service Award: Fred T. Faria of Scituate

Frederick C. Williamson Professional Leadership Award: Carol Ann Nelson, AIA

Stephen J. Tyson Sr. Artisan Award: East Coast Masonry and Restoration, Inc. of Johnston

Stewardship Award: Diocese of Providence for the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

Project Awards: Anthony Mill, Coventry; Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport; Captain Joseph Tillinghast House, Providence; Poirier ’s Diner, Providence; The Dean Hotel, Providence; The Arcade, Providence; Warwick City Hall

Special Recognition: Wm McKenzie (Mack) Woodward of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission.