The Palacios Preservation Association announces that Margaret Doughty and Edith Gower have been awarded the prestigious Adina De Zavala
Advocacy Award by Preservation Texas for their extraordinary leadership and determined work to save the historic Luther Hotel.
The award was presented during the Preservation Texas Honor Awards Ceremony on
Thursday, October 30, at the Scottish Rite Hall in San Antonio.
The Adina De Zavala Advocacy Award is named for Adina De Zavala, the trailblazing preservationist whose courage and determination were central to saving the Alamo and protecting its historic footprint.
The award honors individuals whose own persistence, community leadership, and grassroots advocacy have made a significant impact on historic preservation in Texas.
Widespread Praise from Preservation Leaders:
“Congratulations! And along with you we recognize the great team that rallied to save the Luther Hotel with their time, talent, and treasure. It’s amazing what was accomplished, considering how many obstacles had been lined up and traps that had been set before it even became public that the hotel was to be razed.
“You kept us all informed and engaged and demonstrated that “old school” advocacy can still make a difference by showing up, being persistent, and never taking no for an answer. Common sense prevailed, and Palacios - and Texas - is better for it.”
— Evan Thompson, Palacios Preservation Association Advisory Board Member, Executive Director, Preservation Texas; identified the Luther as the “most endangered building in Texas”; served as fiscal agent for the PPA until approval as a 501(c)(3) in March 2025.
“This journey is an amazing one and no award is big enough for Margaret and Edith!
Carpe diem.”
— John Griffin, Palacios Preservation Association Advisory Board Member, Marek, Griffin Knaupp; Knaupp law firm; key member of the Luther Hotel legal team and a highly respected preservationist.
“This is all such exciting news! You all are amazing. Congratulations on such great progress!”
— Minnette Boesel, Palacios Preservation Association Advisory Board Member,
Historic preservationist; former chair, Houston Heritage Society.
“Dear Margaret and Edith — Wonderful news… What a movement you two have set in motion.
And BIG congratulations on receiving your award from Preservation Texas. SO well-deserved!”
— Phoebe Tudor, Palacios Preservation Association Advisory Board Member,
Chair, National Trust for Historic Preservation; active historic-preservation leader.
“That is all unadulterated good news! Thank you for sharing and for all the work that went into creating this good news.”
— Charles Scoville, Palacios Preservation Association Advisory Board Member,
Read-King commercial developer and historic-preservation supporter.
A Historic Achievement for Palacios
Margaret Doughty and Edith Gower’s steadfast advocacy and their leadership throughout the effort to save the Luther Hotel represent a turning point for preservation in Palacios.
Their success demonstrates the power of community action and the importance of protecting the historic places that define the character of coastal Texas.
The Palacios Preservation Association extends heartfelt congratulations to Margaret and
Edith for this well-deserved honor and thanks to the many volunteers, supporters, and partners who stood with them in this monumental preservation effort.
