Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Presents 23 Statewide Preservation Awards at Ceremony in Brunswick
We are very proud to have earned an Excellence in Rehabilitation award for the University of Georgia Holmes-Hunter Academic Building renovation project! Read their full press release below.
ATLANTA, April 28, 2025— The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation presented 23 awards recognizing the best of preservation in Georgia during its 48th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Brunswick, Ga.
The Adam Stain Building in Darien, one of the last intact tabby structures in Georgia, received the Marguerite Williams Award, presented annually to the project that has had the greatest impact on preservation in the state. The Adam Strain Building, built around 1815 as a waterfront warehouse, survived looting and a devastating fire in 1863. After years of vacancy and a spot on the Georgia Trust’s 2008 Places in Peril list, the building was purchased and saved by visionary owners Marion and Milan Savic. Through determination, historic tax credits, and an unwavering commitment to preservation, the Savics rehabilitated the tabby structure.
Night Sky Coffee Roasters in Winder received the Michael L. Starr Award, presented to a project that best exemplifies the highest standards of historic rehabilitation and has a significant impact on the downtown of the city in which it is located.
Historic Columbus Foundation received the Mark C. McDonald Award, which recognizes an outstanding organization that has demonstrated sustained commitment to historic preservation and has had a positive impact on preservation in their local community.
Lofts at King Mill in Augusta received the Chairman’s Award, presented by the chairman of the Georgia Trust to a person or project of great preservation significance.
Josh Rogers of Macon was posthumously presented with the Mary Gregory Jewett Award for Lifetime Preservation Service for his prolific career in preservation. Rogers served as the president and CEO of NewTown Macon until his death in 2024. He had previously served as the executive director of Historic Macon Foundation.
The Trust also presented two awards for Excellence in Preservation, one award for Excellence in Restoration, three awards for Excellence in Stewardship, two awards for Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation, and ten awards for Excellence in Rehabilitation.
Excellence in Preservation winners were Andrews Chapel Schoolhouse in Thomaston and the Scottish Rite Temple in Savannah.
The Bentley House in Quitman received an award for Excellence in Restoration.
Excellence in Stewardship winners were the Bath Gardens in Blythe, the Lida Hill Residence in Macon, and the Demosthenian Literary Society for its stewardship of Demosthenian Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation winners were Hodgson Hall at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap and the University of Georgia’s Cedar Street Building C, marking the completion of the first phase of UGA’s Science and Ag Hill modernization project.
Excellence in Rehabilitation winners were: 202 S. Broad Street, Thomasville; Blair-Rutland Building, Decatur; Doyle House, Savannah; Fair Building, Hawkinsville; F.R. Terrell House, Toccoa; Henderson-Orr House, Newnan; Kahrs Grocery, Augusta; Neel House, Macon; Holmes-Hunter Academic Building at the University of Georgia, Athens; and Union Lofts, Augusta.
“This year’s winners represent a tremendous dedication to restoring and revitalizing Georgia’s historic buildings and communities,” said W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust. “We are proud to honor such deserving projects and individuals.”
For over 45 years, the Trust has recognized preservation projects and individuals throughout Georgia who have made significant contributions to the field of historic preservation. Awards are presented on the basis of the contributions of the person or project to the community and/or state and on compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country’s leading statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations. The Trust works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and use.
The Georgia Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund and raises awareness of other endangered historic resources through an annual listing of Georgia’s “Places in Peril.” The Trust recognizes preservation projects and individuals with its annual Preservation Awards and honors students and professionals with the Neel Reid Prize and Liz Lyon Fellowship. The Trust offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children, provides technical assistance to property owners and historic communities, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts, and manages two house museums in Atlanta (Rhodes Hall) and Macon (Hay House).
To learn more about the Georgia Trust and the Preservation Awards, visit www.georgiatrust.org.