News Summary
On March 27, Coronado Historical Association hosted the 2025 GEM Awards Dinner Ceremony, honoring homeowners dedicated to preserving the island’s architectural treasures. Award recipients included 1043 Ocean Boulevard and 555 Alameda Boulevard for their impressive restorations. The event featured notable presentations and a fundraising initiative to support preservation efforts. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere and delicious dinner, culminating in a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards community support for maintaining Coronado’s rich historical legacy.
Coronado Celebrates Architectural Heritage at the 2025 GEM Awards Ceremony
On a beautiful Thursday evening, March 27, the charming city of Coronado transformed into a hub of celebration as the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) hosted the much-anticipated 2025 GEM Awards Dinner Ceremony. Held in the inviting Nautilus Room, the event shone a spotlight on devoted homeowners who are tirelessly working to preserve the architectural treasures of this picturesque island.
A Night of Honor and Appreciation
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, as community members, history enthusiasts, and preservation advocates gathered for an evening dedicated to recognizing the passion and hard work of individuals committed to maintaining Coronado’s unique architectural legacy. This year’s GEM Awards ceremony was chaired by the esteemed Kathleen and Jim Stengel, both of whom have previously been nominated for their dedication to preservation.
Spotlight on Award Recipients
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the announcement of the 2025 GEM Award recipients. Among those honored, 1043 Ocean Boulevard received accolades for its meticulous restoration of a stunning Italian Renaissance Revival home, originally built for none other than John D. Spreckels, a figure integral to Coronado’s history. Another proud recipient was 555 Alameda Boulevard, acknowledged for its loving restoration of a rare Storybook Tudor home, which resembles an enchanting English cottage.
Captivating Presentations and Community Spirit
The event was further enhanced by captivating presentations from iconic figures in Coronado history, Nancy Cobb and Gerry MacCartee. Their stories not only educated attendees about the island’s rich past but also highlighted the critical importance of preserving these architectural gems for future generations. Their insights served as a reminder that each building tells a story and holds a piece of Coronado’s unique character.
A Show of Generosity
As part of the evening’s festivities, a heartwarming ‘Raise the Paddle’ initiative encouraged attendees to lend their financial support to CHA’s preservation efforts and educational programs. The generosity displayed that night was awe-inspiring, showcasing the community’s commitment to ensuring that Coronado’s architectural heritage continues to thrive. Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in funding these meaningful programs.
Emphasizing Community Engagement
The GEM Awards, which have been a staple of Coronado since their establishment in 2013, not only honor property owners for their restorative efforts but also highlight the essential role that community engagement plays in safeguarding the island’s unique identity. By recognizing and celebrating individuals dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings, the CHA encourages others to join in this important cause.
A Taste of History
As guests enjoyed a delightful luau dinner, they were treated to an evening filled with nostalgia and rich tales from Coronado’s illustrious past. The combination of good food and engaging stories created an atmosphere of camaraderie and collective pride among attendees.
Looking Forward
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks from the CHA to all who attended, including donors, volunteers, and sponsors, for their vital roles in making the 2025 GEM Awards a resounding success. With ongoing support, the CHA remains committed to its mission of preserving Coronado’s architectural heritage, ensuring that these beautiful stories remain a part of the community for generations to come.
As the sun sets on another successful GEM Awards ceremony, Coronado continues to shine brightly, standing as a beacon of community, history, and the unwavering spirit of preservation.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: A Celebration of Coronado’s Architectural Gems
- Coronado News: Coronado Historical Association Gem Nominees
- Coronado Times: 2025 GEM Awards Dinner Nominees
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architectural Heritage
- Coronado News: Coronado GEM Award Winners Announced
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
