Friends of the River Awards

The Land-of-Sky Regional Council presented “Friends of the River” Awards on August 30, 2011 at the 34th Annual “Friends of the River” Dinner in Asheville. These awards recognize individuals, private organizations, civic groups, and/or public agencies in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties who have made significant contributions toward the enhancement or restoration of the French Broad River as a cultural, economic, natural, or recreational resource.

Rob Pulleyn was one of six recognized for his efforts to preserve historic buildings and revitalize communities along the river especially his effort to renovate the old Madison High School into art studio Madison High Studios.

In 2006, the old Marshall High School, which had served students in the town since 1925, was scheduled to be demolished. However, protests from the residents of Marshall, a petition drive that gathered 3,000 signatures, and a fundraising effort led to a different outcome. The funds raised were used to pay for a structural analysis of the building and buy prominent ads in the local newspaper urging county commissioners to save the valuable community resource.

The renovation took nine months and required a total investment of almost $2 million. Today, Marshall High Studios is at 80% occupancy. The rehabilitation project not only saved a valuable structure, but also ignited the community's passion for its historic architecture, serving as a catalyst for other renovation projects, new business development and a more positive community image.

Also recognized were the Henderson County Erosion Control Program, the Black Mountain Greenways Commission, Transylvania farm Everett Farms, RiverLink volunteer Denise Snodgrass and Forrest Westall for his lifelong efforts to address point and non-point sources of pollution in the French Broad River Basin and entire state.