2023 Historic Preservation Awards
Each year, Historic Augusta recognizes property owners who have made significant contributions to the preservation, rehabilitation, and/or restoration of historic buildings and sites. Eligible properties must be located in Augusta or one of the counties comprising the Central Savannah River Area and must be at least 50 years old and/or certifiable as a historic structure. The property must retain a high degree of historical integrity and must be currently occupied or have constructive plans in place for its use.
New Construction Award, presented to Richmond County Board of Education
Architect: Dickinson Architects
Contractor: McDonald Construction
Additional Recognition: ARC Administration & GMK
After moving to this site in 1926, Richmond Academy needed a more modern educational facility focused on science and technology. The new structure was complementary to the existing structures by using brick blended with the existing historic brick and using the same architectural features with different materials to distinguish old from new. With new student spaces, the Board of Education was extremely excited to have a new space that complemented the old structure. It is symbolic to have modern amenities at this historic school in a building that respects the original historic structures. During excavations, construction halted due to an unearthed bone. Luckily, it was an animal bone, and the project reached completion.
Preservation Award, presented to Security Federal Bank
Architect: Cam Scott of Cheatam, Fletcher, Scott Architects
Contractor: Devane Batchelor of Allen + Batchelor Construction
Designer: Beth Price of Tallawood Studio & Planning LLC
Additional Recognition: Charles Lawrence of Lord Aeck Sargent
After the Augusta Genealogical Society sold the property in 2019, the bank began rehabilitating the structure to turn it back into a bank. Historic Augusta and preservation consultants at Lord Aeck Sargent assisted with the certified rehabilitation that utilized state and federal tax incentives. The project’s overall goal was to provide a community banking resource for downtown to contribute to the economic development and revitalization of Downtown Augusta. The original windows, marble floors, bank teller stations, and restoration of the interior pillars are highlights of the project. This team would offer advice to partner with a rehabilitation specialist as their input is invaluable to a project like this. During the rehabilitation project, the team discovered bones. After careful inspection, the coroner determined the bones belonged to a cow. Research showed a butcher shop was previously located next door to the bank, which explained the bones.
Preservation Award, presented to Mackenzie and Nathan Vick
Architect: Nathan Vick of Booker + Vick Architects
Contractors: Augusta American Building Company, Jonathan Vick of Dependa Coat, & Mark Donahue of Peach Contractors
Additional Recognition: Mark Fiebiger
When the Vicks acquired this home in 2017, they wanted a property close to town. They chose the Dennis House, an individually listed property in the National Register of Historic Places. The house was in fair condition, and the accessory structures were in bad shape. The rehabilitation preserved original features such as heart pine floors, flush wood board walls and ceilings, horsehair plaster, windows, and fireplace mantles. The project had to be completed on the interior quickly because Mackenzie was preparing to give birth to their second son, Everett. After five years of work, this project has seen the family grow up around the rehab process and enjoy living in a historic home. Nathan and Mackenzie advise that if you are looking at a similar project, add 50% to your budget and 50% to your schedule.
Preservation Award, presented to Christy and Michael Beckham
Architect: Brad King
Contractor: Joe Felz
Designer: Christy Beckham
When Christy and Michael Beckham acquired the home three blocks from their residence, they understood the Perkins-Cullum House, listed on the 2015 Endangered Property List, required extensive rehabilitation. The Beckhams pursued a certified rehabilitation utilizing state and federal tax credits to save all of the home’s original features. Historic Augusta served as the preservation consultant on this project. The rehabilitation project lasted through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the significant rehabilitation process was difficult to budget due to supply chain issues. Seeing the faces of those who have viewed the project after completion has made the project a worthwhile endeavor. The Beckhams would urge those who see buildings that have undertaken a similar state to jump in on the rehab process but make sure the right people are around to assist with the job. The house is currently home to pre-furnished apartments and office space, and there is a sense that you are never alone in the house.
Preservation Award, Presented to Paul King and Adelle Dennis with REX Properties
Architect: Richard Fletcher of Cheatham, Fletcher, & Scott Architects
Contractor: Doug Law
Additional Recognition: Co-investors, Lauren and Philipe Erramuzpe
When Paul King acquired this property in 2019, he expected this rehabilitation to go like many others he has completed over the last three decades in Augusta. The extensive project took longer than anticipated after the global COVID-19 pandemic struck. Labor shortages, supply chain issues, and rising costs all contributed to the challenges with the project. Despite these challenges, the team preserved and, with the help of Historic Augusta, was able to utilize state and federal tax incentives to create 12 apartments for the downtown area. Original floors, doors, fireplace mantles, exterior brick, and heavy cornice details were all preserved as a result of this project.
Preservation Award, presented to Andrew Knox, Sr.
Architect: JLA Architects & Megan Poston and Rob Mauldin of 2KM Architects
Contractor: Two State Construction Co., Inc.
Additional Recognition: Slater Engineering
This project is the first completed certified rehabilitation project in downtown Thomson, and the property was in rough shape when it was acquired. It is also the first Historic Augusta Preservation Award given to a project in Thomson. An initial connection with the UGA Archway Program that Andy Jr. was involved with pushed this project to get started, and Andy Sr. went with it. This project preserved nearly all of the remaining original features left in the structure, which originally served as the Firehall, jail, and city hall for Thomson. Original features included beadboard ceilings, the staircase, and the reconstruction of the fire hall garage doors. Acquiring the materials to replicate original features proved challenging due to supply chain issues. Despite challenges with the review process with the state and federal offices for tax credits over 4 inches of window trim, 2KM Architects and Historic Augusta provided the necessary evidence to get this project approved. The project appears in Preservation Brief Number 16 as an exemplary project.
Preservation Award, presented to Mark Donahue and Peach Contractors
Architect: Nathan Vick of Booker + Vick Architects
Contractor: Peach Contractors
Additional Recognition: Chloe Donahue & Michele Meehan
Mark Donahue saw this property on the 2019 Endangered Properties list. He chose to rehabilitate it because of its appearance, similar to historic homes in Charleston, with front porch stairs and granite curbs. Historic Augusta served as the preservation consultant on this project, which was awarded state and federal tax incentives after its completion in 2023. The failing roof required extensive work. Many features, like the original fireplace mantles, exterior brick, heart pine floors, and original wood windows, were all preserved due to these efforts. The HVAC work and rezoning of the house were the most difficult parts of the project. Still, the rehabilitation reached completion despite these challenges due to the knowledgeable team. Seeing the hidden 2nd to 3rd-floor balustrade open back up was extremely rewarding and symbolic of a project that returned the house to its former glory.
Preservation Award, presented to Augusta University
Project Manager: Joseph Gambill, Augusta University
Architect: 2KM Architects: Rob Mauldin, Megan Poston, Chris Lehi
Contractor: Ajax Building Company, LLC: Mikhaila Timmons, Superintendent
Additional Recognition: -Augusta University: Bonnie Troiano, Associate Vice President, Office of the Provost.
When this small building fell into disrepair, Augusta University did not let it stay that way for long. Located on the former grounds of the Augusta Arsenal, this building appears to be a stable on old maps and will now benefit ROTC students at AU. The original brick walls, most of the wood framing, and original window fenestration were all features preserved in this project. Like many who undertake similar projects, this rehab found some difficulty in the timeline, but the stellar team who worked on this project saw it to completion promptly. The Augusta University team would advise hiring a knowledgeable team, like 2KM Architects, who has expertise in historic rehabs and was able to move the project forward. 2KM was able to utilize the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to complete the project.
Preservation Award, presented to Ruth Knox, Bob Knox, and Andrew Knox, Sr.
Architect: Joseph Smith of Arcollab
Contractor: Two State Construction Co., Inc.
Designer: Joseph Smith
In a year where a project in Thomson received award recognition for the first time, another Thomson project deserves equal praise. This house has been in the family for many years, and preserving it for future generations is extremely important. Ruth, Bob, and Andy knew they had their work cut out for them because the house required extensive rehabilitation to be suitable for modern use. The process saved the remaining original features, including a comprehensive test to match the mortar on the brickwork. Joseph Smith’s knowledge was invaluable in ensuring the preservation of original features. Andy, Bob, and Ruth recommend nailing your costs at the beginning of a project like this one.