President's Award John L. Nau III President and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors, for his work as chairman of the Texas Historical Commission and as chairman of the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Other winners 2010 Kane, an 1890s "Folk Victorian" house in Old Sixth Ward 2337 Blue Bonnet, a 1937 International Style residence 2421 Brentwood, a 1929 Katharine Mott-designed home 201 Main, the former First National Bank Building Spire Realty Group for its commitment to preservation downtown 1600 Westheimer, the former Imperial Plumbing Supply Building 3842 N. Braeswood, a 1960 modern office building 4916 Main, the former Weldon Cafeteria Keck Hall (Chemistry Building), Rice University Girl Scout Troop 12357, San Jacinto Council, for research and assistance at Glenwood Cemetery John L. Nau III for his leadership in preservation AIA 25 year award: Mies van der Rohe additions to the Museum of Fine Arts Preservationist John L. Nau III has used his influence to help accomplish much locally. Most people know John Nau as a successful businessman and a leader in political and civic affairs. He is president and CEO of Silver Eagle, the second-largest distributor of Anheuser-Busch products in the country; he is active in local, state and national politics; and he and his wife, Bobbi, have a long history of supporting civic and philanthropic causes. Far fewer people know John as a committed preservationist. John has been a member of the Texas Historical Commission since 1993 and its chairman since 1995.  He is chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a national position to which he was appointed by President George W. Bush. John also serves on the board of The Civil War Preservation Trust and as a member of the advisory committee at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. All of these are unpaid positions with important preservation missions, and all have benefited greatly from his dedicated service. The reason John is receiving this award is closer to home and far more personal. Houston is a difficult town for preservation, and much of what is accomplished is done behind the scenes. The people who do the work often go unnoticed and unthanked. John is one of these people. Time and time again, he has used his personal and political connections to help us get things done that we could never have done without his help. There has scarcely been an important preservation project in Houston that has not benefited from his efforts, and we cannot thank him enough. John Nau has been a true friend and trusted advisor to preservation, to this organization, and to me personally in my role as president of GHPA. It gives me great pleasure to recognize John and to thank him for the part he has played in saving Houston's historic treasures. Next winner: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston > Text: Anita Garten, president, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance Copyright 2003, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance This year's sponsors > GHPA home >