The City of Cape May revived the Historic Preservation Awards and celebrated its rich architectural heritage and the individuals dedicated to preserving it during the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13^th at the historic Chalfonte Hotel.

Held during National Historic Preservation Month, this year’s ceremony carried special significance as Cape May commemorates the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark; a recognition that helped establish the City as one of the nation’s premier examples of Victorian architecture and historic preservation.

The annual awards ceremony honors individuals, organizations, and property owners whose efforts help protect and celebrate Cape May’s historic character for future generations. The following details the awards given and this year’s winners: 

• STEWARDSHIP AWARD - This category recognizes the long-standing maintenance and protection of Contributing and Key Contributing historic properties. Although these nominees may never have needed to appear before the HPC for any significant changes, the owner’s steadfast commitment of time and resources, and the sensitive protection of the historic property, are the foundation of Cape May’s Historic Landmark status and popularity as a unique heritage destination by the sea.
  • THE MAINSTAY INN – Owners John and Ruth Pemberton (1949 – 19770, Tom and Sue Carroll (1977 – 2004), Peter and Esther Scalone (2014 – Present). The 154 year old former Jackson Clubhouse stands as a singularly definitive example of meticulous and respectful attention to authentic architectural detail, through the loving care of a series of committed preservationist owners. A space that has been graciously welcoming to visitors as a time-capsule of Victorian design elegance and gentility.
  • THE PHYSICK ESTATE – CAPE MAY MAC. Dr. Emlen Physick’s 1879 Frank Furness designed Stick Style mansion was scheduled for demolition in the 1960s, but was rescued by concerned citizens, who formed the Cape May MAC and have been carefully maintaining this key-contributing landmark since 1970. The open to the public building now stands as a uniquely stalwart ambassador to the Victorian Period that is the hallmark of our national landmark city.
  • THE JOSEPH LEACH HOUSE - 1011-1013 Lafayette St. stands as a physical memorial to the legacy of abolitionist, newspaper editor, and civic leader, Joseph Leach. He often preached on the evils of slavery from the pulpit of the Cape Island Baptist Church, and was also responsible for bringing the telegraph and railroad into the city, as well as the establishment of the police force. Recently, the building has undergone an adaptive re-use as condominiums, but has retained it’s exterior’s period appropriateness. It stands as a particularly streetscape defining icon for visitor’s entering our community on Lafayette Street
• LEADERSHIP AWARD - This category recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, and government agencies for outstanding leadership that directly contributes to the preservation of historic buildings, structures, stories, and sites in Cape May.
  • CORBIN COGSWELL - Mr. Cogswell has been a longtime bastion of Cape May’s preservation efforts, as a pioneering bed and breakfast owner, volunteer at the Cape May Point Lighthouse, and having an inspirational record of 26 years of dedicated service on the HPC as a Class A Commissioner. His institutional knowledge and expertise as a restoration carpenter has assisted hundreds of applicants realize their dream homes through cooperative adherence to the Historic Preservation Standards. Mr. Cogswell continues his community service through his volunteering at the Episcopal Church of the Advent.
• PRESERVATION/RESTORATION AWARD - This category recognizes significant, sensitive preservation or restoration of a property for its original use or museum use. This is the purest form of preservation, preserving as much original material as possible and removing any compromising changes. This recognizes the ultimate contribution to the property’s cultural and architectural history, context, and surrounding streetscape, as well as to the city’s National Historic Landmark designation.
  • 1005 BEACH AVENUE – JOHN AND JEAN KUHLER
• REHABILITATION/RENOVATION - This category recognizes significant and sensitive maintenance and updates that preserve or make only minor adjustments to the original materials and documented form. This category celebrates respectful work that maintains and enhances the property’s cultural and architectural history, context, and contribution to the surrounding streetscape as well as the city’s National Historic Landmark designation.
  • 821 WASHINGTON ST. – LYNN AND CHERYL MARKS
• ADDITIONS - This category examines the process of enabling a property’s compatible upgrade through repairs, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural value.
  • 1125 NEW YORK AVENUE – SANTO, MIKE AND MARYBETH FORMICA
• NEW CONSTRUCTION - This category identifies key review considerations within the historic district: the property's compatibility with the existing fabric, including materials, features, size, scale, proportion, streetscape, and massing.
  • 523 BANK ST. – MEGAN LAMB AND BRYAN ROWLAND
• ADAPTIVE REUSE - This category recognizes the rehabilitation of a building or complex for a new use while preserving its original architectural integrity. Interior changes may be acceptable; the building’s exterior should closely resemble its original appearance.
  • 710 COLUMBIA AVENUE – CHRISTINE GLAZER

For more information about the Historic Preservation Awards or the Historic Preservation Commission, visit capemaycity.com.

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Awards Photos

Photo Credit: Aleksey Photography