Editor's note: article updated 6/28/2018. 

Calling all HGTV enthusiasts, master gardeners, Pinners, and frequent shoppers of local hardware stores! It’s Monte Cristo Awards time – the ultimate award for neighborhood pride, honoring Everett residents and business owners who go above and beyond to keep our city looking its best.

Everett is full of beautiful properties with outstanding curb appeal. The Everett Office of Neighborhoods needs your help in identifying the ones we all drool over so those neighbors can be honored for all of their hard work. You know the ones; you’ll often see the residents mowing the lawn and pulling weeds, rain or shine. Their homes and businesses are always painted in the year’s hottest colors and they often look like they could be on the cover of a home and garden magazine.

If you are anything like me, you are inspired and envious at the same time and end up mowing your own lawn in the rain and spending hours weeding your garden just to try to keep up!

Nominations are welcomed and encouraged from anyone who recognizes the beauty and attractiveness of properties within the city limits of Everett (and yes, you can totally nominate yourself!).

Nominations will be accepted through July 1, 2018. Winners are chosen for making the city a special place to live through their extensive efforts to make their homes or businesses attractive and keep them well maintained, making Everett a beautiful, inviting community. 

Now in its 24th year, the “Montes” started in 1994 by three Everett residents who created the award with the help and support of then Office of Neighborhoods Director Marian Krell. The Monte Cristo Awards gained their name from the Monte Cristo Hotel, which had fallen into dubious condition, languished and was finally restored to fine appearance during the 1990s.  Community residents felt it was a fitting symbol of the rejuvenation they wanted to recognize in Everett.

The Awards are given in four categories: Rejuvenation and Transformation, Pride of the Neighborhood, Neighborhood-Friendly Business and Green Gardening. Award recipients receive a Monte Cristo Award plaque for placement on the exterior of their home or business, a certificate (not to mention bragging rights) and are honored at the award ceremony in October. Ceremony date is TBD, stay tuned to the Monte Cristo website for updates.

The Everett Council of Neighborhoods and the City of Everett Office of Neighborhoods sponsor the awards. Then there is the prestigious and coveted Marian Krell Award that honors one property owner per year who have excelled in beautifying and maintaining property year after year.

So as you are walking to your favorite coffee spot, driving to your friend’s house, or commuting to and from work, be on the lookout for those beautiful Everett homes and businesses that make this city shine and submit a nomination to honor them. For more information on the award categories and to submit a nomination, visit our website here.

Jaimee Hudson is the City of Everett's Community Engagement Specialist, specializing in...community engagement of course!