SPRINGFIELD — A local architect who is active in efforts to preserve the city's storied history is being honored by the group which leads the charge.

The Springfield Preservation Trust awarded the Donald E. Campion Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation to William Devlin, based on his work over the past 30 years.

"His work includes new homes that fit into historic neighborhoods and re-adapted houses and fire stations for new uses," the group said of Devlin in a statement. "He has consulted often on issues relating to design and preservation and has served on the Springfield Historical Commission."

Devlin was also the architect responsible for plans and oversight of the work which saved the run-down former Springfield Female Seminary at 77 Maple St. That three-story brick building was built in 1832 by Simon Sanborn, and is considered the oldest school house still standing in the city.

It is located in the Lower Maple Local Historic District and before the preservation trust purchased it in 2009, demolition was its likely fate. In December, DevelopSpringfield purchased the building from the group for $35,000, announcing it would be rehabilitated into professional office space along with the historic Ansel Phelps house next door.

The projects Devlin has contributed his time and talents to led to the award, which is named after an early pioneer of preservation in Springfield and one of the Preservation Trust's early presidents.

In the 40 years the non-profit Springfield Preservation Trust has been in existence, the Donald E. Campion Award has been given out just 12 times, according to the group. Devlin was given the award at the group's annual meeting, where officers were elected for the coming year, including President Donald Courtemanche; Vice President Robert Louder; Treasurer Gayle White; and Clerk Joann Cardell.