Cook Cup Criteria

The Cook Cup recognizes the owner of a significant historic structure that has been transformed through a complete restoration, adhering to the highest standards in method, materials and design. The nominee may be an individual, corporation or partnership, nonprofit organization, or government entity.

The restoration must have been completed within the past two years, and the structure must be in active use for its original purpose or adapted for a new role.

The judges consider:

• the importance of the structure,
• the condition of the structure at the outset,
• the magnitude and quality of the restoration, and
• the impact of the restored building on the community.

The prize presentation

The winner will receive a large engraved silver cup at Indiana Landmarks’ Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, held each September in Indianapolis, as well as recognition in Indiana Preservation magazine and in a release to media.

Award background

Indiana Landmarks inaugurated the Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration in 2007, when the prize went to the award’s namesake family in honor of its transformation of the West Baden and French Lick Springs hotels in southern Indiana. The Cook family is nationally recognized for their many restorations of significant landmarks in Bloomington and throughout southern Indiana. Learn about other past winners.

Congratulations to the 2024 Cook Cup winner, 500 Main LLC for its transformation of Hotel Elkhart.