MASON is honored to receive recognition for the following projects.
Recognition for Project Awards are:
Originally designed in 1954 by Alfred Preis, FAIA, the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church stands as a beautiful example of mid-century modern architecture.
MASON was honored to help preserve and refresh this cherished space. Our work included repairing the building’s concrete piers, replacing the lighting system with modern, energy-efficient fixtures, and restoring the existing wood trusses. We also extended the altar area to create a more graceful and functional centerpiece for gatherings and worship.
Additional improvements included refinishing pews, repairing the decorative mesh, and waterproofing the gutters—ensuring the Sanctuary remains both beautiful and enduring for generations to come.
First United Methodist Church, interior photo after completion.
Originally built in 1928, the Reverend and Mrs. George A. Johnston Ross Residence—now lovingly cared for by their granddaughter—has been home to three generations of the same family in Mānoa Valley.
MASON was honored to help restore this beautiful Colonial Revival home, ensuring its historic charm and family legacy would continue for years to come. The nearly century-old residence required extensive work, from repairing termite-damaged floors and restoring original windows to upgrading electrical and plumbing systems with care and precision.
Inside, each space was brought back to life with thoughtful attention to detail—period-appropriate fixtures and finishes, restored hardwoods in ohia, oak, and mahogany, and even custom tilework featuring “1928,” the year the home was completed. Personal touches like framed family heirlooms and restored blueprints celebrate the home’s story and those who have lived within its walls.
Working closely with Ching Construction and Philpotts Interiors, MASON helped preserve the residence’s timeless grace while seamlessly integrating modern comforts. Today, the Livingston Residence stands as both a family treasure and a lasting testament to the enduring spirit of Hawai‘i’s historic homes.
Reverend and Mrs. George A. Johnston Ross Residence
Completed in 1923, Bachelot Hall was originally designed by architect E.A.P. Newcomb to serve the growing Sacred Heart Church parish in Makiki. Nearly a century later, the beloved Gothic Revival building has found new life as the Mi & Thomas Kosasa, M.D. Performing Arts Center, shared by Sacred Heart Church and Maryknoll School.
After a prior renovation left the building unusable, MASON worked with the Church and school to restore Bachelot Hall to its former grace—preserving its historic charm while transforming it into a vibrant home for student performances and community gatherings.
The project involved reconstructing the stage and mezzanine, installing professional lighting and sound systems, and creating a new catering kitchen and restrooms. Every detail was approached with care, from restoring the original proscenium arch and diamond-paned windows to rehabilitating the distinctive rusticated concrete block façade.
Now equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, accessibility features, and upgraded safety systems, Bachelot Hall beautifully bridges past and present—honoring its historic legacy while supporting the creative spirit of Maryknoll’s students and the Sacred Heart community.
Recognition for Interpretive Media Award for:
Developed for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, the Leeward Bikeway interpretive materials invite the public to explore the rich history of ‘Ewa through a series of eight educational signs and an accompanying brochure. Installed along the bikeway’s path, each sign highlights a different aspect of the region’s story—connecting riders and pedestrians to the people, places, and traditions that shaped the Leeward coast.
The interpretive journey begins with the O‘ahu Railway and Land Company, founded by Benjamin Dillingham, whose railroad made large-scale agriculture possible through ‘Ewa’s sugar fields. Other signs celebrate the community’s cultural and industrial legacy—telling the story of Filipino plantation workers in Varona Village, the rhythm of life at the Ewa Plantation Company mill, and the ingenuity of Native Hawaiian resource management in Honouliuli. Later panels trace the evolution of the region through the 20th century, from wartime history at the Waikele and Kapakahi bridges to the environmental restoration of Pouhala Wildlife Sanctuary, where endangered birds now thrive.
Designed to blend with the natural landscape, the signage uses historical photographs, maps, and thoughtfully written text to bring ‘Ewa’s past to life. MASON worked closely with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and project partners to ensure each piece met preservation standards and conveyed an authentic, engaging story.
The Leeward Bikeway interpretive project honors the area’s railroad and sugar plantation heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for discovery—inviting all who travel the path to experience Hawai‘i’s history in motion.
The first interpretive sign faces the Hawaiian Railway Society yard, sharing how Benjamin Dillingham’s O‘ahu Railway and Land Co. and James Campbell’s artesian wells helped shape ‘Ewa’s agricultural roots.
About the Preservation Honor Awards
HHF’s Historic Preservation Honor Awards are Hawaii’s highest recognition of projects, organizations, publications or individuals active in preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or interpretation of the State’s archaeological, architectural, and cultural sites. Recognizing achievements in interpreting, preserving or restoring Hawai‘i’s historic and cultural resources.
The Individual Achievement Award honors a leader in the preservation field who has made achievements in preserving places significant to the history of Hawai’i in either/both site-specific or broad-based efforts.
For more information on Historic Hawai'i Foundation's 2025 Preservation Honor Awards, click here.