The awards recognize residential and commercial property owners who contribute to the charm, beauty and ambiance of Rehoboth through preservation/renovation, new construction and landscaping. Forty past and present winners managed to attend the awards presentation. Winners were presented a special plaque recognizing their achievements at a ceremony held Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Bellmoor Inn.

The award for residential preservation/renovation went to Jeff McCracken for his redressed property at 161 Columbia Ave. Receiving honorable mention were Doug and Heidi Evans of 223 Rodney St.

John Bishop and Frank Cooper won the award for residential new construction for their Colonial-style home at 1006 Scarborough Ave. Extended.

In the commercial preservation/renovation category, the award went to Susan and Robert Wood for their converting the old High’s convenience store into Grub Grocery.

The city of Rehoboth Beach took home an award in the commercial new construction category for its new building and licensing complex at 306 Rehoboth Ave. Mayor Sam Cooper accepted the award on behalf of the city. Honorable mention went to Bill and Peggy Martin for the Hotel Rehoboth.

Finally, the landscape renovation/new plantings award was given to Jay Kramer and Tim Hopkins for their gardens at 600 Scarborough Ave. Charles Plante received honorable mention for landscaping at 8 Fifth Ave.

The public selects nominees for each of the five categories. Nominated work must have taken place in the last three years and the nominator can, but does not have to, own the property nominated. The Rehoboth Beach Main Street Design Committee then reviews the nominees and selects the winners. Matthew Adler represented the design committee at the awards ceremony, which was sponsored by Echelon Custom Homes. Porcini House and Espuma provided wine and hors d’oeuvres for the ceremony.

Main Street Executive Administrator Jenny Barger said, “We are so excited to have the town participate in this event. Thank you to all the residents and businesses of downtown Rehoboth Beach for showing interest and supporting this wonderful program promoting downtown beautification.”