The 2019 Ballinger Award was presented to Tomas Maier and Andrew Preston for their restoration of Concha Marina, a Mediterranean Revival style estate built in 1921 by Addison Mizner as his personal residence. The second owner, Isabel Dodge Sloane, commissioned significant additions over a period of 14 years that transformed the simple L-shaped home into a grand courtyard estate. Today, Concha Marina is a rare example of a Palm Beach estate that is a representative work of three of the Town’s original architects: Addison Mizner, Marion Sims Wyeth, and Maurice Fatio.
The three-and-a-half-year-long rehabilitation relied upon historic images to guide the restoration of significant features that had been lost over time. A full-depth limestone entry was reconstructed according to the original proportions and materials. On the interior of the courtyard, the new pool was elevated like a Roman basin to evoke the original fountain designed by Mizner. The same attention to detail and historical accuracy was also paid to the landscape design.
In the lanai designed by Wyeth, the original ceiling and lanterns were preserved. Original openings were restored and rejas installed to return light and air flow to the courtyard.
The Ballinger Award commemorates the restoration or rehabilitation of a landmarked estate or public space that best exemplifies Palm Beach’s architectural heritage. The Ballinger Award was first presented by the Foundation in 1988 in honor of the late Robert I. Ballinger Jr., former Chairman of the Palm Beach Landmarks Preservation Commission. Mr. Ballinger worked tirelessly for many years to instill pride in the island’s architectural heritage. The medal itself, struck by noted sculptor Edward Grove, bears the likeness of a bust of Mr. Ballinger that was sculpted by Mr. Ballinger’s wife, Didi Ballinger. The award is presented in December of each year at the Foundation’s membership luncheon.
