The Uptown Branch of the Old Georgia Railroad Bank, a striking Beaux-Arts masonry structure dating to 1924, served as Augusta’s inaugural branch bank. Despite facing downtown’s decline, it remained a pivotal business until 1991, transitioning to the Augusta Genealogical Society headquarters. In 2019, Security Federal Bank acquired the building, embarking on a thorough rehabilitation project. Preserving its historic charm, the Broad Street façade retained its original design, while interior renovation reinstated features like marble floors and teller carrels. Notable efforts included reclaiming the original ceiling height and restoring the drive-through with remote teller machines. Utilizing tax credits, this rehabilitation converted this historic structure back to its original use, providing the city with a business that strengthens the downtown economy while serving as a physical reminder of its economic resilience.

The Marguerite Williams Award is presented annually to the project that has had the greatest impact on preservation in the state.

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The historic Lowndes County Courthouse was constructed in 1905 and has been a focal point in the community as it sits stately in the middle of the main square in the heart of downtown Valdosta, the county seat. Undergoing recent rehabilitation, the project focused on uncovering historical elements, restoring materials and upgrading systems while minimizing the impact on distinctive features. The rehabilitation transformed the courthouse into a Regional Visitor Information Center, retaining its courtroom functions for multi-purpose events. On the interior, marble flooring and wainscotting, pressed metal ceilings, heart pine flooring were retained and the historic courtroom balconies were reopened. Exterior enhancements addressed historically appropriate elements, restoring the courthouse’s grandeur. The rehabilitation of the courthouse, funded by the SPLOST Program, symbolizes the people of Valdosta’s commitment to their city’s economic, cultural and social longevity.

The Chairman’s Award is presented at the sole discretion of the Georgia Trust Chairman of the Board of Trustees to recognize extraordinary efforts contributing to the preservation of Georgia’s historic resources.

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The Historic Madison City Hall, constructed in 1938, underwent a transformative rehabilitation to preserve its Colonial Revival charm while modernizing it as a municipal facility. The project meticulously restored character-defining features, including original windows, fanlights and the 14-foot ceilings, returning the floor plan to its original design. The exterior received updates, such as cleaning and reinstallation of the historic slate roof, tuck-pointing and the creation of a new handicap-accessible entrance. The project also addressed crucial drainage issues, preventing basement flooding. This SPLOST-funded initiative not only revived the physical structure but rekindled community connections, with City Hall holding cherished memories as a vital part of Madison’s history for over 80 years.

The Michael L. Starr Award was created in 2020 in memory of Mike Starr, former Board Chair of the Georgia Trust and the Georgia Cities Foundation. This award honors the rehabilitation of a downtown historic building which best exemplifies the highest standards of historic rehabilitation and has a significant impact on the downtown of the city in which it is located.

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The Cuthbert Water Tower was built in 1895 as the city’s first water tower and holds unique significance as the country’s only water tower positioned in the middle of a federal highway. Despite the construction of US Highway 82 in the 1940s, the water tower remained in place, becoming an enduring landmark in Randolph County. However, since the 1970s, deterioration plagued the structure, exacerbated by the high cost of maintenance. Recognized as a Place in Peril by the Georgia Trust in 2018, community efforts spearheaded by the city and the non-profit, We Love Cuthbert, culminated in a successful restoration project, aided by a 1772 Foundation grant received in 2023. Through collaborative endeavors and volunteer support, the water tower underwent extensive restoration, showcasing the community’s unwavering dedication to preserving its heritage.

Awards for Excellence in Restoration recognize exemplary restoration of historic structures. An accurate restoration project depicts the form, features and character of a historic building as it appeared at a particular period of time. Restoration requires sensitive upgrading of mechanical systems and other code-required work to make the site functional.

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Designed in the Spanish Revival style by noted architect Francis L. Abreu, the Visitors Club was constructed in 1931 as a tourist welcome center for the Brunswick Board of Trade. Used as a welcome center until 2012, the building faced deterioration until a collaborative preservation effort revived its historic charm. Initiated in 2019 by the Visitors Club Preservation Fund, the City of Brunswick and the Torras Foundation, the preservation project aimed at restoring the building’s original design. The project included roof repairs, window reglazing and reconstructing deteriorated elements, including porch railings and the iconic weathervane that sat on the cupola of the building. Original light fixtures were cleaned and rewired and the wood trim on the exterior was repainted its original color. For decades, the Visitors Club has welcomed both visitors and residents of St. Simons Island. The restoration of this historic landmark resonates with community members and visitors alike as a source of pride for the people of Brunswick.

Awards for Excellence in Restoration recognize exemplary restoration of historic structures. An accurate restoration project depicts the form, features and character of a historic building as it appeared at a particular period of time. Restoration requires sensitive upgrading of mechanical systems and other code-required work to make the site functional.

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Situated on the edge of the historic downtown square, the Adairsville Church was built in 1887 by a United Methodist congregation, boasting Carpenter Gothic architecture. The church building has served as an important part of the community for over a century and this revitalization added modern conveniences that will enable greater use while maintaining its historic integrity. The project included repairing and repainting exterior siding, preserving ornate historic detailing and restoring original hardwood floors, while discreetly adding or cleverly concealing modern amenities. This endeavor not only rejuvenated the church but also invigorated community engagement through hosting local events, attracting new members and reinforcing the church’s vital role in downtown Adairsville.

Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.

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Designed by G.L. Preacher in 1916, the Augusta Warehouse & Compress Company is the only remaining cotton warehouse complex from the early 20th century in Augusta. Efforts to rehabilitate this structure, aided by the use of State and Federal historic tax credits, converted 35 industrial compartments into 140 residential apartments. Facing challenges like severely neglected roofs and the need to balance existing character with modern needs, the preservation effort successfully retained the district’s historical significance. Rehabilitation work included reintroducing original vent openings as windows and adding low-profile skylights for natural light. The survival and revitalization of this complex connects the city of Augusta to its industrial history and provides crucial housing for its growing population.  

Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.

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This high-style Italianate house has changed hands in ownership and use many times since it was first constructed in 1853. Initially built as a single-family home, the house began to serve as a YWCA for the Augusta community in 1916, and by 1993 as the Saint Stephen’s Ministries for AIDS patients. In 2019, a rehabilitation effort commenced, shifting the use of the home once again with its transformation into twelve apartments. The project, which utilized historic tax credits, preserved the historic floors, windows, doors, mantles and exterior elements. The original floor plan remains largely intact, with modifications for modern living. This preservation project complements nearby developments, providing appealing, fully renovated housing to support the downtown area’s revitalization.

Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.

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Constructed in 1883 in the Queen Anne Style, the Foster-Thomason-Miller-Minnix House sits on the former location of the Madison Female College. Influenced by the Aesthetic Movement, the original owner of the home, Legare H. Foster, included ornate features such as walnut woodwork and frescos to the walls and ceilings. After sustaining a fire that caused significant damage, the intervention of the Madison-Morgan Conservancy ended decades of neglect by stabilizing the home and coordinating its purchase to suitable buyers. A rehabilitation was undertaken involving extensive structural, exterior and interior work to restore much of the original historic detailing. This successful rehabilitation sets an example for smaller towns, demonstrating the impact of community advocacy and the commitment of the Minnix family to honor the history of the building and site.

Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.

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