At a recent City Council meeting held on May 7, three locals were honored for keeping Eden Prairie's past in the present. Eden Prairie's Heritage Preservation Commission recognized these individuals and groups for their noteworthy efforts in safeguarding the city's historical gems. The Heritage Preservation Awards spotlight those who've gone above and beyond in the fields of preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or utilization of local historical resources, as per the City of Eden Prairie, MN.

Sasha Allen, John Gertz, and the duo Marcia Kolb and Johnny Severson were the recipients of this year's accolades, each contributing uniquely to Eden Prairie's storied tapestry. Their endeavors, the city believes, will resonate with both residents and tourists for a long time. According to the City of Eden Prairie, MN, "Their work shares and promotes the history of Eden Prairie, and their contributions will continue to influence residents and visitors for many years to come."

These awards don't just hand out pats on the back – they signal to the broader community the importance of preserving local heritage. While the specific contributions of Allen, Gertz, and the Kolb-Severson partnership were not detailed in the city's announcement, the impact of such figures often echoes in the renovations of old buildings, the repurposing of historical sites, and the education of younger generations.