The Cantey Lecture is an annual lecture event where a prominent speaker addresses topics related to historic preservation and architectural history. The Cantey Awards are presented during this event and recognize outstanding achievements in preservation projects, stewardship, and leadership in the field of historic preservation. This event is an important part of Historic Fort Worth, Inc.’s mission to preserve and promote the historic heritage of Fort Worth, Texas.
The Cantey Lecture is sponsored by Sam and Ambler Cantey and their children, Samantha Saxenmeyer, Benton Cantey, Clayton Cantey, Sam Douglas, Jake Blair and their grandchildren, James and Atha Blair, Will, Charlie and Sam Saxenmeyer, “B” and Grace Cantey in honor of their Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
2026 Cantey Lecture & Preservation Awards
Wednesday,
October 21, 5:30: PM
The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth
1316 Pennsylvania Ave.
Bradford C. Patterson
is a historic preservation and community development leader with more than 25 years of experience at the Texas Historical Commission. He currently serves as Director of the Community Heritage Development Division, where he oversees statewide programs supporting downtown revitalization, heritage tourism, and local preservation efforts across Texas. His work focuses on using historic preservation as a tool for economic development, community identity, and quality of life. He has led major statewide initiatives, managed grant and preservation programs, and collaborated with hundreds of communities on projects ranging from small historic structures to large-scale planning and revitalization efforts.
The preservation awards follow the lecture.
SAM CANTEY
As a Fort Worth visionary, businessman, collector of art and leader of the Fort Worth Art Association, (now the Modern Art Museum), Samuel Benton Cantey III (1914-1973) understood that great architecture is irreplaceable. In the 1950’s Mr. Cantey invited Bror Utter (1913-1993) to paint architecturally significant buildings in downtown Fort Worth as they were being prepared for demolition. Mr. Utter, a talented studio artist and teacher, was a member of the Fort Worth Circle, the legendary group of artists who traveled abroad and painted together. His paintings document both demolished and standing downtown buildings and are part of the permanent collection of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The annual Cantey Lecture is paired with HFW’s preservation awards.
Preservation Project Award
MB Hospitality FW Southside, L.L.C.
for
The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
503 Bryan Avenue
Preservation Project Award
GLF FW Hotel, L.L.C.
for
Le Méridien Hotel/Hotel Texas Annex
811 Commerce Street
Preservation Project Award
Josh Dazey, D1Real Estate L.L.C. U.S. Energy Corp.
for
Armour Laboratory Building
605 E. Exchange Avenue
Preservation Project Award
Cook Children’s Medical Center
for
Thistle Hill Mansion Historic Restoration
1509 Pennsylvania Avenue
Preservation Project Award
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
for
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church
509 West Magnolia Avenue
Preservation Project Award
Fort Worth Independent School District
for
Amon Carter Riverside High School Window Restoration
3301 Yucca Avenue
Preservation Achievement Award
Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association
for
Pioneers Rest Cemetery
620 Samuels Avenue
Preservation Achievement Award
Earl Cox
for
Yates-Ottman Building Advocacy
1020 Summit Avenue
Preservation Achievement Award
Melanie Arrington Smith
for
Book – “Mistletoe Heights”
Preservation Achievement Award
John Henry
for
Literary Works Advocating for Farrington Field
Preservation Achievement Award
John Roberts
for
for outstanding contributions to preserving
Fort Worth’s heritage
