Irving H. Bowen, Presidet of The Las Olas Company & Thomas Wells, Jr, Founder of The Las Olas Company

Prestigious Citizen Recognition Awards Honors The Las Olas Company's founders, Thomas and Preston Wells


FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - May 4, 2007 - On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, The Las Olas Company's founders, Thomas E. Wells, Jr. and the late Preston "Dick" A. Wells, Jr., were recognized as "Honored Founders" at the City of Fort Lauderdale's 33rd Annual Citizen Recognition Awards.

"Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. is selecting and honoring Thomas E. Wells and the late Preston "Dick" A. Wells as Honored Founder(s) for 2007," said Commissioner Charlotte E. Rodstrom of District II as she presented the parchment in the Fort Lauderdale City Commission Chambers. "And thank you to your family for being a part of Fort Lauderdale for so long."

The Wells family history dates back to the 1930's, when brothers Preston A. Wells , John Wells and Thomas Wells, began visiting Fort Lauderdale and purchasing property to establish their family owned and operated business, The Las Olas Company, Inc., originally named The Coast Guard Development Co., specialized in beach- and ocean-front cottage rentals and sales.

"I remember when Fort Lauderdale had a population of only 2000," said Thomas E. Wells, Director and Vice President of The Las Olas Company. "It is both a privilege and an honor to have started a movement committed to enriching the lives of Fort Lauderdale's residents and providing a memorable experience for tourists and business travelers."

The Las Olas Company built the then 80-room Riverside Hotel, which it still manages today, in 1936. In addition to running the Riverside Hotel, The Las Olas Company, today, has evolved into a residential, retail and office-leasing group.

"My grandfather Preston and his brother John Wells determined that Fort Lauderdale had great potential," said Barbara Wells, director and stockholder of The Las Olas Company, who accepted the award on behalf of the late Preston Wells. "Clearly, it was a risk that paid off, as evidenced by the growth this area continues to experience today."

About The Las Olas Company

One of the original investors in Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard, The Las Olas Company is a family owned and operated company. In 1936, The Las Olas Company opened the Riverside Hotel and continues to manage it today. The company has helped to establish Las Olas Boulevard's charm by adopting its village architecture, and is dedicated to offer residents, visitors and business travelers an inviting and welcoming Las Olas experience by combining the area's best shopping, dining and entertainment. For more information visit http://www.thelasolascompany.com.


About the Citizen Recognition Program

Established in 1972 by the city of Fort Lauderdale, the Citizen Recognition Program gives public recognition to citizens who have contributed in significant ways to the development of the community. To date, the Citizen Recognition Awards have honored 88 outstanding citizens for their contributions towards the growth, development and advancement of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Honorees are selected by the Citizens Committee of Recognition and ratified by the City Commission. The category of Honored Founder was added to the awards program in 1990.