BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Four Augusta area projects were among the 23 that the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation recognized for the best of preservation in Georgia during its 48th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Brunswick, Georgia.
Union Lofts, Lofts at King Mill, Kahrs Grocery and Bath Gardens in Blythe were among the awardees, according to a news release from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
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.
“The rehabilitation of the historic John P. King Mill in Augusta has transformed a deteriorated 1884 textile complex into a vibrant mixed-use community, while honoring its rich industrial past. Located between the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal, the 400,000 square foot site now houses 245 residential lofts and 15,000 square feet of commercial space. The project preserved original design elements—including brick facades, corbel details, wood subflooring, ceiling structures, and the original elevator core—while replacing missing components like windows and mechanical systems with historically sensitive alternatives,” the preservation website said.
Kahrs Grocery, 401 Greene Street, received an Excellence in Rehabilitation Award. It had been placed on Historic Augusta’s Endangered Properties List in 2011.
“Built circa 1854, the Greek Revival-style Kahrs Grocery in Augusta originally housed a grocery store on the first floor with residences above. Vacant since the 1980s and severely deteriorated, the building was rescued from near-demolition by Heard Robertson and partners. Historic Augusta had long targeted the building for preservation, as a prominent and historically significant entrance to the Olde Town neighborhood. The building was transformed into 13 market-rate apartments. Its rehabilitation – which included restoring the exterior facades, balconies, chimneys, and brickwork – revitalized the block and brought much-needed activity to the area. The building is one of the few surviving structures from the 19th century in this part of Augusta, making it an important part of the city’s architectural legacy,” the website said.
Union Lofts, 513 James Brown Blvd., also received an Excellence in Rehabilitation Award.
“This project involved the rehabilitation of three adjacent turn-of-the-20th-century commercial buildings in Augusta’s Downtown Historic District, which were transformed into 22 market-rate apartments. Originally housing businesses on the ground floors and residential boarding rooms on the upper levels, the buildings had fallen into severe disrepair, with all storefronts bricked in and roofs damaged. The rehabilitation restored architectural features including the mansard roof, Victorian millwork, and original staircases. Storefronts were reopened, and historical details were preserved on the second and third floors, while a connecting hallway through the gutted spaces provided access to the apartments. The project turned a once-vacant eyesore into sought-after housing and a vibrant symbol of Augusta’s renewal,” the website said.
Excellence in Stewardship went to several including the Bath Gardens in Blythe.
“Nestled in a lush, spring-fed ravine near Blythe, Bath Gardens was created between 1958 and 1965 by Alonzo “Lonnie” Boardman, Sr. as a European-inspired retreat. After decades of decline, his granddaughter Catherine Fleming began restoring the 55-acre property in 2016, bringing back its original beauty. Now the Bath Gardens Foundation has repaired the 265,000-gallon main pond and dam, restored historic buildings, and reopened the gardens to the public. Remaining true to the garden’s design, original structures like the bell towers and 1861 cottage are being carefully preserved. Today, Bath Gardens is not only a testament to long-term family stewardship, but a thriving, serene haven filled with nature, history, and community spirit,” according to the Georgia Trust website.
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.
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 news release continued.
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 awards also went to 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 included: 202 S. Broad Street, Thomasville; Blair-Rutland Building, Decatur; Doyle House, Savannah; Fair Building, Hawkinsville; F.R. Terrell House, Toccoa; Henderson-Orr House, Newnan; Neel House, Macon; and Holmes-Hunter Academic Building at the University of Georgia, Athens.
“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 more than 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.
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