The Urban Forestry/Beautify Wyoming Commission gave out their 2016 Awards at the October City Council Meeting on October 17.
This annual special awards night honors those who have beautified Wyoming with trees, special landscaping, architectural improvements or showing consistent pride in their homes, landscaping and community.
The winners are:
Architecture Award: 239 Compton Ridge – Damon & Rebecca Long
“My husband and I are very flattered to be acknowledged for the work we have done thus far to our home here in Wyoming. We have done so much to renovate the interior and are just getting started on the exterior! We have done most of the work ourselves so it is very personal to us. – Rebecca Long
Community Spirit Award: Centennial Park – Trowel & Error Garden Club
The Spirit of Centennial Park is still a reflection of the original vision which continues with an important partnership between City employees and The Trowel and Error Garden Club community volunteers.
It is a park that welcomes all to Wyoming, Ohio, as well as those who are driving through. It is a place to stop and visit with friends and neighbors. Centennial Park is a reminder of our community values and how lucky Wyoming is to have such great and long lasting partnerships.
Historic Preservation Award: Steve Hromadka – 217 Springfield Pike
Constructed in circa 1884, the Joseph W. Baldwin House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
From current owner Steven Hromadka: “The decisions I have made regarding improvement at 217 Springfield Pike are consistent with my overall philosophy regarding homes. I am drawn to character properties that exhibit craftsmanship that is not seen today. Springfield Pike has an abundance of that. I have spent a significant amount of extra time and money to maintain that character and craftsmanship… Throughout the house whenever I had the choice, I would always choose a period fixture or something in keeping with the original character and style.”
Landscaping Award: 101 Elm Avenue – Richard & Jane Mueninghoff
With the help of a landscape designer three years ago, Jane underwent a massive renovation of her property.
Most original plant material was removed, including eight trees. Some smaller plants were repurposed. Eight trees have been planted and many more are in the works for when she has all the honeysuckle removed between her house and her neighbor’s. The result is a beautiful enhancement of her property as well as Elm Avenue.
Landscaping Award: 621 Springfield Pike – Joel & Domenica Ehrlich
“We have lived in Wyoming for over 20 years and know our community takes so much pride in everything we do! To be nominated for this award when there are so many incredible landscapes and then win is something very special to us!
“This award means a lot to Dominica and I and we will display it with pride! Thank you so very much for this recognition and a special thank you specifically to Craig Wilking for his attention to detail, this is his award as much as ours!” – Homeowner Joel Erlich
Landscaping Award: 338 Willowbrook Lane – John & Sue Hillis
Sue and John Hillis recently moved to Wyoming, Ohio from Richmond, Virginia at the invitation of their daughter, Karen Hillis-Skipper, who has lived in Wyoming with her husband Robert and daughter Ella for almost ten years.
Rod Sidley Architects and Gerbus Remodeling partnered on the complete renovation of the Hillis’ home including the addition of a beautiful new kitchen. Parallel to the house renovation, John Caster and his son, Matt, of Caster’s Landscaping, undertook a total replacement landscape of the Hillis’ lot at 338 Willowbrook Lane. Sue and John chose Caster’s Landscaping for this large project based on the examples of their work completed for other homeowners in the greater Cincinnati area.
It was John Caster’s vision and sterling execution which resulted in what the Hillises believe is a stunning landscape at the top of the Willowbrook Lane cul-de-sac. They are now fully settled in their Wyoming home after finally moving in at the end of March.
Urban Forestry Award – 26 Mt. Pleasant Avenue – James & Victoria Calvert
The Calverts recently moved into their home at 26 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Near the end of the driveway at the corner of the house lies a magnificent oak tree. This tree is perfectly sited to compliment the building while minimizing the impact of the driveway with a huge canopy of green. The tree has a bold, picturesque branching pattern which is reminiscent of the live oaks one sees in the south. The tree is adorned with landscape lighting which highlights the beautiful form. The Calverts said it feels like being in a tree house when they are in the kitchen.
This beautiful tree is great asset, not only for the Calverts, but for the entire city of Wyoming.
