32nd Anniversary of the LBOR River City Recognition Awards
Each year the Lawrence Board of REALTORS® honors recipients with long-standing River City Recognition (RCR) Awards. RCR Awards go to a person/group who has made a Humanitarian Contribution to the Community, and to a person/group who has made an Architectural Enhancement in the Community.
Who will YOU nominate for an LBOR RCR Award?
Use the Nomination Buttons to submit your Nomination Form online.
Nominations for 2025 will become available by September 1, 2025.
Humanitarian Contribution to the Community
Kar Woo
Artists Helping the Homeless
Left to Right: Tim Shoulderblade, Charlie Jacobson, Kar Woo, Dustin Moore, and Susan Parker.
Woo arrived in America as a young man with only $50 in his pocket. He has transformed his initial adversity into a beacon of hope for countless individuals. His incredible journey, marked by extraordinary artistic talent and a profound sense of purpose, led him to establish Artist Helping the Homeless (AHH). This organization has become a cornerstone of support for hundreds of people each year, providing essential resources in numerous ways. From the nomination submitted by Susan Parker.
Presented by Susan Parker, Past Chairperson -Lawrence REALTORS® Community Foundation
Platinum Realty
As selected by the LBOR Community Relations Committee
Co-Chairpersons:
Gladys Powers, McGrew Real Estate
Kelsey McClasky, Fountain Mortgage.
Architectural Enhancement to the Community
Alpha Roofing
1220 N 3rd Street, Lawrence KS 66044
Left to Right: Yvonne Ruder - Alpha Chief Operating Officer, Jessica Wollesen, and Darin Lutz - Apha Owner.
"The building has really improved the look of that corner of North Lawrence. The new beautiful building can be seen from the interstate. It is nice to see updates to that area and it really enhances the City of Lawrence, and I believe it will attract even more businesses to North Lawrence, too." From the nomination submitted by Jessica Wollesen.
Presented by Jessica Wollesen, Trustee -Lawrence REALTORS® Community Foundation
First State Bank & Trust
As selected by the LBOR Community Relations Committee
Co-Chairpersons:
Gladys Powers, McGrew Real Estate
Kelsey McClasky, Fountain Mortgage.
Demetrius Kempf
Humanitarian Contribution in the Community
Dee gives of himself to help our community in so many ways throughout the year. His major projects include a clothing closet at Free State High School, Breast Cancer 5K, holiday food baskets at Thanksgiving & Christmas, and he led the charge to have BIPOC books in the Free Little Libraries around town. He also helps pass along furniture and other donations to those in need. He has a big heart and it shows!
Presented by Jessica Wollesen, Trustee-Lawrence REALTORS® Community Foundation
First State Bank & Trust
Susan Parker, Lawrence REALTORS® Community Foundation Chairperson
Platinum Realty
Taylor's Donuts
Architectural Enhancement in the Community
Taylor Petrehn - 1827 Louisiana Street
Taylor is the owner of both 1900 Bakery locations but recently opened Taylor's Donuts on 19th and Louisiana across from Lawrence High School. Taylor was kind and welcomed students to learn through a program called Work Experience. I have a daughter with special needs who has learned about real-life work experiences, which has really made her senior year. Plus the donuts are delicious!
Presented by Gladys Powers, Vice-Chairperson - Community Relations Committee
McGrew Real Estate
2022 River City Recognition Award Recipients
Humanitarian Contribution to the Community
Tom Pollard, Lawrence Lights - Making Spirits Bright and SERTOMA Club of Lawrence.
Pictured L to R: Kent Fisher, Chris Fisher, Jan Pollard, Tom Pollard, Kate White, and Secily Rees.
Architectural Enhancement in the Community
Heartland Community Health Center
Project Type: Medical Office
Developer: Alcove Development, LLC
Owner: T&M Properties, LLC
Architect: Lance Adams Architect & Sabatini Architects
General Contractor: Mar Lan Construction
Address: 1312 W. 6th Street, Lawrence, KS
Size: 23,000 +/- sf
2021 River City Recognition Award Recipients
Humanitarian Contribution to the Community
John Krehbiel and Tony Kaufman for their tireless work to provide shelter for those in need during the cold winter months in Lawrence and Douglas County.
L to R: Jill Stueve, Kent Fisher, John Krehbiel, Tony Kaufman, and John Huntington Jr.
Lawrence & Douglas County Health Department for their coordination and administration of COVID vaccinations.
L to R: Jill Stueve, Staff from Lawrence & Douglas County Health Department, and John Huntington Jr.
Architectural Enhancement in the Community
Lawrence Public Schools for the redesign and remodel of Lawrence High School.
L to R: Jill Stueve, Staff from Lawrence High School including Principal Cynthia Johnson, Superintendent Anthony Lewis, and School Board Member Shannon Kimball, along with John Huntington Jr.
2020 River City Recognitions Awards
Humanitarian Contribution in the Community: Meg Heriford, Ladybird Diner, and Ladybird Diner Pantry
2020 Architectural Enhancement in the Community: Women of Color Mural - Lawrence Public Library
2019 River City Recognition Awards
2019 Humanitarian Contribution in the Community: Mike Logan
L to R: Kate White, Mike Logan, Ryan Desch, and Greta Carter-Wilson
2019 Architectural Enhancement in the Community:
Fields & Ivy Brewery
Make a nomination now for the 2022 LBOR River City Recognition Awards. Use the buttons on this page to submit your nomination online.
If you prefer, a printable Nomination Form is available HERE.
The LBOR gave out the first River City Recognition Award in 1993.
- In May of 1993:
- The Architectural Award was presented for the project at 110 McDonald Drive, which had been the old All-Star Dairy.
- The Humanitarian Award went to the Celebration of Cultures.
- In November of 1993:
- The Architectural Award was presented to Douglas County Bank.
- The Humanitarian Award was presented to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
A complete list of awards presented over the years is available HERE.