The award for Residential Preservation/Renovation went to the home at 161 Columbia Ave. In keeping with Rehoboth tradition, this dwelling essentially retained its profile and façade. A very modest addition connected the two separate structures on the property, and the entire place was redressed with authentic shingles in a simple and straightforward exterior refurbishment. The committee was impressed with the restraint and a strict adherence to the structures’ original footprints in modernizing this classic Rehoboth cottage.

Design committee members congratulate 223 Rodney St. with an honorable mention. The transformation from a closed-off, jalousie-windowed porch from a sadly 1950s-style remodel into the open-faced façade with river rock columns is a remarkable one indeed.

In the category of Residential New Construction, this year’s winner is 1006 Scarborough Ave. Extended. Here is a classic Rehoboth Colonial - quiet and unassuming - surrounded by long-term trees and shrubbery. The home is so comfortably situated that it is difficult to believe that it is new construction - but it is. This reassuring look back into history made the entire design team do double-takes to be sure of what they were seeing.

The Commercial Preservation/Renovation category winner is Grub Grocery, 305 Rehoboth Ave. Aside from the ease and convenience of having a new food purveyor on the avenue, the design committee applauded this renovation for its simple reclamation of what was once an exceedingly unattractive and essentially inconvenient service station and food mart. Colorful umbrellas and plentiful picnic tables now punctuate the plaza in front of this simply and refreshingly reconfigured structure.

The City of Rehoboth Building and Licensing facility at 306 Rehoboth Ave. is the winner in the Commercial New Construction category. Here the committee honors the restraint the town exercised in erecting its new offices. Offering a bridge design between higher-profile commercial facades and the more reserved residential elevations nearby, this building underscores the continuing mixed-use nature of much of Rehoboth Avenue beyond the second beach block.

The Hotel Rehoboth is awarded an honorable mention in this category as well. While the design of the overall building does not embrace Cottage and Town standards, the building nevertheless remains more in scale with the town profile and is well sited on its land to reduce its front-foot façade.

The Landscape Renovation/New Plantings award goes to 600 Scarborough Ave. Richly conceived and densely planted, its fully realized beds look like they were planted some years ago and promise continued pleasure and pride as they actually mature. The gardens are clear evidence of the homeowner’s commitment to completing the project - including a fully realized landscape plan.

The formal rear garden at 8 Fifth Ave. has been awarded an honorable mention. An earlier remodel of the guesthouse on the same property was honored with a Cottage and Town Award. This garden warmly embraces the low-key elegance of that structure and promises much for the refit of its primary residence and its street-front façade. Stay tuned for future developments.

Rehoboth Beach Main Street thanks Echelon Custom Homes for sponsoring the 2009 Cottage and Town Awards Ceremony.

Visit downtownrehoboth.com for more information on Rehoboth Beach Main Street and downtown Rehoboth Beach happenings, or call 302-227-2772.