2024 CODMAN AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Roger Tackeff

The Boston Preservation Alliance is honored to present the 2024 Codman Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Tackeff. For nearly forty-five years, Roger has championed the preservation of Boston’s historic buildings as the owner and CEO of Renaissance Properties, a real estate development firm specializing in historic preservation. His commitment to protecting the city’s architectural heritage extends beyond his professional endeavors, reflecting a deep dedication to giving back in all aspects of his life. 

A true Bostonian at heart, Roger was born and raised in Brookline and has dedicated himself to the city of Boston with unwavering commitment. He has held leadership roles in nearly two dozen civic and community organizations, including Hebrew SeniorLife, Beth Israel Hospital, The Rivers School, Friends of the Public Garden, The Fisher Hill Neighborhood Association, and many others. His passion for preservation was sparked when he purchased and restored an 1868 townhouse in the South End—a project that marked the beginning of his decades-long dedication to historic preservation.

Since 1979, Renaissance Properties has created award-winning developments throughout Boston, including the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Electric Carriage House, Dartmouth Square, Clarendon Square, Garrison Square, Bigelow School, Emerson Square, and the Kearsarge House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

As one of the Boston Preservation Alliance’s longest-serving board members, Roger played a vital role in shaping the organization’s vision and impact over the past four decades. Under his leadership, the Alliance oversaw the preservation of many of Boston’s most cherished landmarks, including the iconic Fenway Park. During his forty years as a Director, Roger was closely involved with the Alliance’s Preservation Achievement Awards, serving as Chair of the Awards Selection Committee, leading the committee through tours of nominated sites, researching and writing the script for the Awards presentation, and presenting each award at the annual ceremony. 

Roger’s passion for preservation is seen throughout our beautiful city on a hill, where his enduring efforts have ensured that Boston’s historic character continues to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The Alliance and the city of Boston would not be what they are today without Roger Tackeff.

“I have had the privilege of working with and learning from Roger Tackeff since I started at the Alliance eleven years ago,” said Alison Frazee, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. “Roger enters every room with a smile, and always wants to know how you, and your family, are doing. Though Roger has now stepped down from the Board, his legacy at the Alliance remains very tangible in all that we do.”