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Brunswick Honors Historic Preservation Projects at Annual Event

Guests celebrate outstanding achievements in historic preservation at the 48th annual awards ceremony in Brunswick, Georgia.

News Summary

On April 26, 2025, Brunswick, Georgia hosted the 48th annual Preservation Awards ceremony, recognizing 23 outstanding projects in historic preservation. Key awards included the Marguerite Williams Award for the Adam Stain Building and the Michael L. Starr Award for Night Sky Coffee Roasters, among others. The event highlighted the importance of restoring and revitalizing historic buildings in Georgia, showcasing dedication to preservation efforts throughout the state.

Brunswick, Georgia Honors Preservation Efforts at 48th Annual Awards Ceremony

On April 26, 2025, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation honored 23 exceptional projects during its 48th annual Preservation Awards ceremony held in Brunswick, Georgia. This year’s event celebrated significant contributions to historic preservation across the state, recognizing efforts that promote the restoration and revitalization of historic buildings.

The prestigious Marguerite Williams Award was awarded to the Adam Stain Building in Darien. This structure, erected around 1815, is one of the last remaining tabby buildings in Georgia, originally serving as a waterfront warehouse. The Adam Stain Building has faced numerous challenges through its history, including looting and a devastating fire in 1863. However, it has been successfully rehabilitated by Marion and Milan Savic, confirming its importance within the community.

In addition, the Michael L. Starr Award was presented to Night Sky Coffee Roasters in Winder. This recognition highlights the establishment’s exemplary standards of historic rehabilitation, which have positively impacted the downtown area. Furthermore, the Historic Columbus Foundation received the Mark C. McDonald Award for its unwavering commitment to the preservation of historic structures within its community.

The Lofts at King Mill in Augusta secured the Chairman’s Award, further emphasizing its critical role in the preservation landscape of Georgia. In recognition of extraordinary lifetime service, the Mary Gregory Jewett Award was awarded posthumously to Josh Rogers from Macon, who was remembered for his significant contributions as the former president and CEO of NewTown Macon.

Projects receiving Awards for Excellence in Preservation included the Andrews Chapel Schoolhouse in Thomaston and the Scottish Rite Temple in Savannah. The Bentley House in Quitman was specifically recognized for its excellence in restoration efforts.

Several properties received Excellence in Stewardship awards for their outstanding stewardship. These included Bath Gardens in Blythe, the Lida Hill Residence in Macon, and the Demosthenian Literary Society for their stewardship of Demosthenian Hall at the University of Georgia. Additionally, Hodgson Hall at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and the Cedar Street Building C at the University of Georgia were recognized with awards for their Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation.

A total of ten projects garnered awards for Excellence in Rehabilitation, highlighting buildings from various locations including Thomasville, Decatur, Savannah, Hawkinsville, Toccoa, Newnan, Augusta, and Macon. These award-winning projects showcase the diverse historic architecture present across the state and underscore the dedication of their restorers.

W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, stated that the recipients of these awards display remarkable dedication to the restoration of historic buildings within Georgia. The Georgia Trust has been recognizing and honoring significant preservation efforts for over 45 years and operates in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic properties.

Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust is a leading nonprofit organization that advocates for the preservation of the state’s historic resources. In addition to its award ceremonies, the organization runs educational programs, provides technical assistance, and manages house museums located in Atlanta and Macon.

For further information regarding the Georgia Trust and its Preservation Awards, visit the organization’s website at www.georgiatrust.org.