Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels, has presented the 2019 Historic Hotels of America Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award to Robert H. Dedman Jr., General Partner of Putterboy, Ltd. and owner of Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst.
This award is presented to a leader whose passion and dedication to the historic preservation of a legendary hotel will ensure that future generations of travelers can experience its history.
Dedman’s legacy of historic preservation and personal stewardship of Pinehurst includes: the restoration of two golf courses: No. 2 and No. 4; the preservation and restoration of Dornoch Cottage, the formerly owned and designed home of legendary golf course architect Donald Ross; restoration of the Holly Inn (1895) and Carolina Hotel (1901) and reimagining the Manor Inn (1923); the preservation of the former, abandoned Pinehurst stream plant and adaptive reuse of the historic steam plant building into the Pinehurst Brewing Co.; and numerous others such as The Cradle, Thistle Dhu, the resort Clubhouse, and more.
Courtesy video.
Under his stewardship and leadership, the Pinehurst team continues to seek ways that foster its unique sense of place and ensure that it continues for future generations of employees, guests, and visitors.
“There are a number of historic hotels and resorts that have a legacy of family stewardship, so we are extremely honored to be recognized by Historic Hotels of America for this prestigious award,” said Dedman. “When my father purchased Pinehurst in 1984, it was a fallen angel, but he had a love of this place that eclipsed any doubt he may have had whether it could be saved. He breathed new life into the resort when others thought it was too far gone. That same passion has been passed down to all of us and we consider it a privilege to be bestowed such a great responsibility; to not only preserve what is special about Pinehurst, but to continue to invest in its future, so that it will remain a timeless destination for generations to come.”
“Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are pleased to honor the exceptional contributions of Robert H. Dedman, Jr. and his exemplary record of historic preservation and stewardship of Pinehurst,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Bob Dedman’s personal commitment to preserving the past while enhancing the future for Pinehurst guests will ensure that future generations of travelers will be able to create their own long, lasting memories at Pinehurst.
“Bob and his team are guided by a simple mantra: ‘Always Pinehurst but always better.’ As a philanthropist, civic and business leader, he is noteworthy for his numerous accomplishments that draw on his experience and expertise for balancing the past with the present and the future. His commitment to the stewardship of Pinehurst includes providing the leadership to increase the celebration of its history, the stories of past guests and employees, and to ensure that it will continue to be a place not just about golf but about the people who work there and those who visit. His most valuable lesson, learned from his father, is creating win-win situations in business and life and the value of employees who have worked at Pinehurst for 50 years or longer.”
Dedman received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979, an M.B.A. in 1980 and a Juris Doctor Cum Laude in 1984 from Southern Methodist University (SMU). At SMU, Bob serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Board member of the SMU Dedman School of Law, and SMU Dedman College Board. He is a USGA Foundation Advisory Trustee, was Honorary Chairman of the USGA’s U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open in 2014 and is past Chairman of the Texas Business Hall of Fame. In 1998 he wrote and published Our STAR Service Journey. He also published two anthologies of quotes Thoughts On A Purposeful Life and The Journey of Life.
Courtesy photo: (L,R) Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide Lawrence Horwitz and Pinehurst Resort CEO Robert Dedman Jr.
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