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 complimentary in design to the existing structures by using brick that blended with the existing historic brick and using the same architectural features with different materials to distinguish old from new. With new spaces for students, the Board of Education was extremely excited to have a new space that complemented the old structure. It is truly symbolic to be able to have modern amenities at this historic school in a building that is respectful to the original historic structures. During excavations, a bone was found in a well that halted construction. Luckily, it was an animal bone, and the project was able to continue.
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 the process of 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 overall goal of the project 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. A piece of advice this team would offer is to partner with a rehabilitation specialist as their input is invaluable to a project like this. A funny story about this project was that bones were found on the property while doing the rehabilitation work. After careful inspection by the coroner, these were identified as cow bones. Research showed a butcher shop was 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 piece of property that was close to town. They landed on the Dennis House which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was in fair condition and the accessory structures were in bad shape. The rehabilitation process preserved important features such as heart pine floors, flush wood board walls and ceilings, horsehair plaster, windows, and original fireplace mantles. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation were consulted throughout the project. The project had to be completed on the interior quickly because Mackenzie was preparing to give birth to their second son Everett. After 5 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 would 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 acquired the home that was 3 blocks from their residence, they understood that an extensive rehabilitation needed to occur to help save the Perkins-Cullum House which was listed on the 2015 Endangered Property List. After purchasing from a friend, the Beckhams pursued a certified rehabilitation utilizing state and federal tax credits to save all of the original features of the home. Historic Augusta served as the preservation consultant on this project. The rehabilitation project lasted through the COVID-19 Pandemic and the large rehabilitation process was not easy to budget. 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. This is evidenced by the doors opening and closing on their own, sounds from other rooms, and temperature changes throughout.
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 of the others he has completed over the last 3 decades in Augusta. The large project ended up taking more time than anticipated after the global COVID-19 pandemic struck. Labor shortages and supply chain issues as well as 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 when the property was acquired, it was in rough shape. 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 that was originally the firehall, jail, and city hall for Thomson. This included beaded board ceilings, original staircase, and the reconstruction of the fire hall garage doors. Even though the original features were replicated or replaced, getting the materials during a period of supply chain issues was a challenge. 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 were able provide necessary evidence to get this project approved. It is now featured 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 and chose to rehabilitate it because of its similar appearance to historic homes in Charleston with front porch stairs and granite curbs. Historic Augusta served as the preservation consultant on this project that was awarded state and federal tax incentives after its completion earlier this year. Work was required on a failing roof and major features like the original fireplace mantles, exterior brick, heart pine floors, and original wood windows were all preserved as a result of these efforts. The HVAC work and rezoning the house were the most difficult parts of the project, but with a knowledgeable team, the rehabilitation was able to be completed despite these challenges. Seeing the hidden 2nd to 3rd floor balustrade opened 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 a state of disrepair, Augusta University did not let it stay that way for long. Located on the former grounds of the Augusta Arsenal, this building appears as a stable on campus and will now benefit ROTC students at AU. The original brick walls, most of the wood framing, and original window fenestration were all features that were preserved as a part of this project. Like many who undertake similar projects, this rehab found some difficulty in the timeline, but with a good team the project was able to be completed. The team at Augusta University would give the advice to hire 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 the first preservation award was given to a project in Thomson, there is another that is deserving of equal praise. This house has been in the family for many years and preserving it for future generations was extremely important. Ruth, Bob, and Andy knew they had their work cut out for them because the house required an extensive rehabilitation to be brought up to a usable condition. The process saved all of the remaining original features including an extensive 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 would recommend getting your costs nailed down at the beginning of a project like this one.