Patricia Gay, Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, has received the Patron of Architecture Award from the Louisiana Architectural Foundation. The award was given at the American Institute of Architects Louisiana affiliate annual Design Awards Luncheon on September 11 in Baton Rouge.
Gay was credited with her extensive work for more than 30 years in neighborhood revitalization, historic restoration and adaptive re-use of buildings in the New Orleans area. Gay assisted in passage of the State Historic Tax Credit program, which was used in the restoration of the New Orleans Warehouse District. In addition, she spearheaded many programs such as Operation Comeback, Re-building Together, First Time Home Buyers Program, educational programs and more for historic restoration projects.
The PRC Re-building Together program has totally renovated or substantially repaired some 1,400 homes, including 350 homes of mostly elderly or disabled low- income homeowners since Hurricane Katrina, who have returned to their homes by effectively using donations and volunteer help.
Gay has served on the National Center for Preservation Training and Technology Board of Directors, and has been director of the Preservation Resource Center since 1980. Among the many areas revitalized, in part, because of her efforts are Julia Row, the Lower Garden District, the Warehouse District, Central City, 118 Louisiana Buildings, General Taylor Street, the Jazz Houses, South Lakeview, Treme and Mid-City.
“The Operation Comeback program she started in 1987 has saved hundreds of structures in New Orleans, and has brought entire neighborhoods back from neglect and abandonment to desired neighborhoods,” noted architect Peter Trapolin.
“We have worked closely in pursuit of and extension of the Historic Tax Credit program, and I have found Patty’s passion contagious,” noted architect Marcel Wisznia. Architect Cynthia Dubberley said that without the efforts of individuals like Gay, “our city may not have recovered as significantly as it has since Hurricane Katrina.”