Claremont Heritage recently announced the 1939 Cliff May designed M.H. Cowen house in Claremont was awarded a 2025 Preservation Design Award for restoration by the California Preservation Foundation.

“The property suffered decades of deferred maintenance and major water management issues,” read a Claremont Heritage news release. “Character defining features presented disrepair, diminished design integrity, or missing completely. Exterior woodwork (including gates, framing, windows, doors, shutters, window grilles) was repaired and restored, finished with May’s original paint and glaze finish treatment. The failed roof membrane was replaced and compromised interior wood trusses structurally reinforced. The roof tile, having lost its distinctive rustic installation during previous repairs, was successfully salvaged and meticulously reinstalled to match May’s original signature pattern. The site was re-graded to address site drainage and water infiltration at the house. The original river rock, terra cotta and brick paving were carefully documented, removed and reinstalled throughout the site, to accommodate a new underground drainage system. Original site features were restored. Pervious ground cover and drought resistant plantings replaced overgrown water heavy nonoriginal landscape while historic trees, with their original adobe curbs, were retained.”

The project was led by architect Kelly Sutherlin McLeod. The award will be presented during the 42nd annual California Preservation Awards May 9 in Sacramento.