Edison Estates earns award

COURTESY PHOTO The Edison Estates received statewide recognition for a restoration project at the historical landmark. From the left are; Sydney Ann Brinson, Linda Stevenson, Suzanne Edwards, Wiley Parker, Mimi Hartman (Florida Trust for Historic Preservation), Jeff Mudgett, Chris Pendleton, and Geoff Steward.

After four years and more than $9 million, the restoration of the Edison Estate has been awarded statewide recognition for Outstanding Achievement in the field of Restoration and Rehabilitation from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation at its annual conference held this year in Sarasota.

Estates Trustees, Suzanne Edwards and Sydney Ann Brinson joined the Fort Myers architects for the project, Wiley Parker, Bill Mudgett, and Jeff Mudgett of Parker Mudgett Smith Architects; Bradenton architect, Linda Stevenson; father and son restoration contractors Howard Wheeler Sr. and Howard Wheeler Jr. of the Chris-Tel Company; and Estates President, Chris Pendleton, to receive the award at a gala ceremony in Sarasota.

Caroline Weiss, Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation presented the award that recognizes the achievements of the Estates for their "proper restoration of a structure to an earlier or original appearance". Projects must fully demonstrate adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the National Park Service, US Department of Interior. The standards are rigorous, and help not only correct issues of restoration and repair but also prepare buildings for the future.

The Edison Estates is open daily 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and is an Official Project of Save America's Treasures at National Trust for Historic Preservation site and a Florida Historic Landmark. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.