Jacobs receives historic preservation award

February 2, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Historic preservation advocate Arthur Ivan “Buddy” Jacobs will be awarded the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning 2010 Beinecke-Reeves Distinguished Achievement Award at a luncheon on Friday.

The annual award, given by the college’s Historic Preservation Program, recognizes an individual with a connection to the state of Florida who exemplifies the spirit of historic preservation and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field. Jacobs of Fernandina Beach received this year’s award in recognition of his service to both the state and the university.

The award is named in honor of the late Walter Beinecke Jr., and UF professor emeritus F. Blair Reeves, both of whom were recipients of the top national honor in the field of historic preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation Crowninshield Award.

Reeves said that Jacobs truly deserves this honor.

“Buddy is the personification of the spirit of historic preservation in Florida and it is appropriate for the college to recognize his contribution to its historic preservation programs,” Reeves said. “Buddy’s wisdom, generosity and abilities have served us well. PI:N participants especially treasure the experience of his classroom presentations, beach parties and his poetic contributions to every deserving occasion.”

PI:N, or the college’s Preservation Institute: Nantucket, is a cooperative effort between UF and the community of Nantucket, which provides students with a unique educational experience in a broad range of historic preservation issues. It is a field program in the Center for World Heritage Research and Stewardship.

Jacobs became involved with PI:N when he was nominated to the board by former UF Provost Robert Bryan in 1983. Over the years, he devoted his time and talents to the field school and the program in numerous ways. Among other things, he worked closely with Beinecke to achieve the successful transfer of Beinecke’s Nantucket properties to form a permanent home for PI:N. Due to Jacobs’ efforts, the Florida Legislature finalized the creation of the Beinecke-Reeves chair in Historic Preservation, a position currently held by Roy Eugene Graham.

Graham, who also serves as director of the college’s Historic Preservation Program, has learned he can depend on Jacobs.

“Buddy has always been there for the Historic Preservation Program,” Graham said. “We can always count on him to give us advice, support and enthusiastic encouragement. His leadership in converting the PI:N advisers to the larger Historic Preservation Board of Advocates has been greatly appreciated. As Chair of the college’s Campaign Council, he will continue to champion historic preservation.”

Jacobs has other connections to both UF and historic preservation.

An alumnus of UF, he served as student body president, receiving his juris doctor degree in 1966. Upon graduation, he joined the university’s administration as director of development, serving as assistant dean – and later dean – of university relations and development. In this capacity, he undertook the restoration and opening to the public of the long-neglected Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home and citrus grove at Cross Creek. The site was later named a National Historic Landmark.

In 1973, he returned to his hometown of historic Fernandina Beach where he played a major role in creation of what was then Florida’s largest National Register Historic District. Along with historic preservation, Jacobs is known for his work in law. He has been general counsel for the State Attorneys of Florida since 1971, and is founder and principal of Jacobs & Associates, Attorneys at Law in Fernandina Beach.