The Caretakers of a Legacy awards program was established to honor people, projects, and organizations that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the historic fabric of German Village.

A caretaker is one who provides support, and watches over a place belonging to someone who is gone. The physical elements that make up the fabric of German Village do not really belong to those who own them legally, but instead have been left in our care. A legacy is a gift: something tangible - such as a built environment - or intangible - such as a philosophy of way of life - this is passed from one generation -to the next. The immigrants who established the community known today as German Village have left us a wonderful legacy to cherish and protect for future generations.

As we care for this great gift, we will necessarily leave our imprint on the village, making our own contribution to the evolution of this neighborhood as a living, breathing community where people live, work, and play,

In celebration of Preservation Month, we honor three projects that are especially deserving of the name “Caretakers of a Legacy”. This Award program is co-sponsored by the German Village Society and Commission. Award winners are chosen by the German Village Commission in three categories:

The Preservation Award
Awarded to a property owner in recognition of an outstanding example of restoration, preservation or maintenance of a property or architectural element in German Village.

The Commissioners Award
Awarded to a property owner in recognition of a recently completed project that contributes to the architectural, historic and aesthetic character of German Village and which shows sensitivity to the streetscape and surrounding properties.

The Chairman's Award
Awarded to a property owner, an individual, an organization or a business entity in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the historic, architectural or aesthetic character of German village and to the community's quality of life.