The Village of New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) presented a 2021 “Partners in Preservation” award at the January 26 Village Board meeting to Nhat Tran, owner of IPHO Vietnamese Restaurant, located at 154 Main Street.
Tran is being honored for improvements to his property’s patio, outdoor lighting, fencing and floral borders, all of which were significantly upgraded during the difficult months under COVID restrictions and protections. Large new plantings of colorful flowers around a restored fence created a well-defined, lively outdoor eating area in front of the cheerful orange-trimmed restaurant, located a block or so up from the denser concentration of downtown restaurants on Main Street.
HPC chair Thomas Olsen said that “as we look back on the very significant challenges to local businesses, restaurants in particular, during the worst of the pandemic, we want to celebrate and honor Mr. Tran and his staff for their proactive approaches toward making their outdoor dining space relaxing and safe. They figured out a way to outwit the pandemic by establishing a colorful, beautiful space for their patrons, but also something to be enjoyed by all who pass by.”
The restaurant was established by Tran in 2017 in the former My Hero Pizzeria and Restaurant. His father Su Tran took the lead in planting the flowers and teaching his son about caring for them.
Since 2010, the Historic Preservation Commission has recognized over 20 Village property owners who have made significant improvements to their homes, places of business or have maintained them with particular care.
Village property owners are invited to learn more about the Partners in Preservation award and historic preservation in general. An online guide can be found at https://www.villageofnewpaltz.org/historic-preservation-commission/ or contact the Commission at hpc@villageofnewpaltz.org.
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