59th Annual Preservation Awards

On Tuesday, October 28th, Historic Columbus celebrated its 59th Annual Preservation Awards at the W.C. Bradley Co. This week, we are sharing 16 incredible projects that were highlighted this year. Their projects remind us why preservation matters — because these efforts give us our sense of place, our sense of belonging, and our shared pride in Columbus.

There was also a special announcement at our Preservation Awards! Historic Columbus has been truly blessed over these fifty-nine years with extraordinary preservation leaders who have guided this organization with vision and dedication. It is rare for any organization to have someone willing to serve not just one, but two terms as president.

Since moving into his family home in 1994, John Sheftall has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Historic Columbus and demonstrating how preservation can strengthen and enrich our community. While this would traditionally be the time when John would rotate off the board following his second term as president and immediate past president, we recognized that his leadership and perspective are simply too valuable to lose.

It was our honor to announce that John will be joining a very special group of leaders whose wisdom continues to guide the future of this organization. John was named a Director Emeritus of Historic Columbus. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and all that he continues to do for Historic Columbus and our community.

The first award presented was to The Columbus Museum for the creation of two exhibits that celebrate the history of our community. The first, Riverfront Renaissance, featured not only the history of our industrial past, but also how development over the last 15 years has helped to bring more attention the Chattahoochee River and riverfront. This exhibit did an excellent job sharing Columbus’ past and showcasing where we are headed in the future.

The second exhibit, Making Bank, is still on display at The Columbus Museum and highlights our banking industry. The Chattahoochee Valley has been home to a number of banks and financial institutions over the past two centuries. As Columbus transitioned from a blue-collar mill economy to one centered on financial services, money and banks gained even more importance. This exhibition utilizes artifacts in the Museum’s permanent collection and object loans from individuals and local financial institutions. Historic Columbus is grateful to The Columbus Museum for providing a consistent and fresh look at our community’s collective history.

Johnnie Warner has been a strong voice and proponent of sharing Black history in Columbus for several decades. One of his more recent projects has been to develop of brochure for Porterdale Cemetery, the historically African American cemetery in Columbus located along the north end of 10th Avenue and Victory Drive. This brochure brings awareness to the cemetery and highlights some of the important stories of the individuals interred there. Historic Columbus is thankful to Johnnie who shares our passion for history and dedicates his time to educating others about our city.

Situated in the heart of the Columbus Historic District, Andy and Angela Lawfield have done a wonderful job renovating their home, located at 644 First Avenue (above). This Folk Victorian home is an incredible example of the commitment it takes to appropriately bring an historic house back to life. Historic Columbus salutes owners like the Lawfields who take pride in their homes and help make neighborhoods like the Columbus Historic District some of the best in town.

Cliff Mason took on the long, hard work of renovating a historic home that needed full rehabilitation from foundation work to a new roof. The home at 733 1st Avenue (above) is a wonderful addition to the many houses that have been recently renovated along 1st Avenue. Historic Columbus applauds Cliff and his commitment to preservation in the Columbus Historic District.

Nestled within the Dinglewood Historic District, Nancy Arrington’s home at 1122 Dinglewood Drive (above) was a more modern addition to the district than most, having been completed in the late 1940’s. Nancy moved into this home recently and promptly made it her own with a series of renovations. Historic Columbus appreciates Nancy and her commitment to historic preservation in one of Columbus’ most beautiful neighborhoods.

James and Symone Alexander took on not one but three historic homes with the recent purchase of their property along 3rd Avenue and Railroad Street in the High Uptown Historic District. Having now completed the renovation of 1617 3rd Avenue, they have set their sights on the next house in line. This grouping of historic houses has been in need of a sympathetic owner for more than 20 years. Historic Columbus is thankful to the Alexanders for their work and investment in this historic property and once again making it a gift to the street.

The John P. Illges House (1425 Third Avenue - above) has undergone a significant makeover in the last nine months, being turned into one of the most impressive wedding and event venues in the region. Improvements both inside and out have transformed this Illges House into a space like no other. Historic Columbus is grateful to Dina Woodruff for her continued investment in High Uptown and for making these beautiful historic homes a centerpiece for our community to enjoy.

Harley Hoad has hit the ground running with a number of preservation projects over the past few years. His investments in the City Village neighborhood and Bibb Village are helping to set a positive standard for historic rehabilitation within the Mill District. From single family houses to portions of the historic Bibb Elementary School, Harley is taking these properties head on. Historic Columbus admires and appreciates Harley’s passion to tackle these projects.

It takes vision to see the potential that a gas station and convenience store could eventually become a center for wellness and a pharmacy in our community, and we are thankful the folks at MercyMed would take that risk with this adaptive reuse project. Located on 2nd Avenue in the heart of the Mill District, this project helps provide a positive visual welcome to visitors to the clinic and Columbus alike. Thank you to MercyMed for their mission and commitment to serving our community.

If a successful rehabilitation of the historic Golden Park was measured by attendance, the Columbus Consolidated Government has hit a home run! The recent renovation of the historic ballfield has brought a new look to South Commons and a renewed conversation to what the entire area could become. This project serves as a great example of how historic preservation can be a driver for economic growth and new development.

Jason and Alayne Gamache have brought two historic properties back to life on Broadway featuring a variety of uses and activities. The historic Rialto Theater (above - left) was renovated primarily as a satellite venue for Cascade Hills Church but also functions as an event venue. Still featuring a stage and open floor plan, the theater is now fully modernized and has a large-scale video screen and sound system designed to host a variety of users. Next door, the old Golf Gallery (above - right) building has been fully renovated top to bottom to include 14 corporate apartments as well as a new Mexican restaurant for Uptown. Jason and Alayne did an impeccable job of retaining the historic facades of the buildings while creating a modern experience on the inside.

No stranger to preservation rehabilitation projects, Ken Henson saw the historic Sixth Avenue Passenger Station as a welcome challenge. Filling the space with apartments and offices, Ken helped breathe new life into a building that was once a hub for travel throughout southwest Georgia. We can’t wait to see what project he tackles next.

Drew and Rebekah Brooks have continued their work to renovate their beautiful historic home located in the Wynn’s Hill - Overlook Historic District at 925 Blandford Avenue (above). They received their first Preservation Award two years ago for their initial rehabilitation work, but Drew and Rebekah were not finished. The Brooks have completed an entire replacement of the front porch and restored it to its original glory. They continue to do an incredible job and this restoration work certainly deserves another recognition.

No stranger to Historic Columbus or a challenging rehabilitation project, Brian Turner has done it again with his latest renovation at 1324 Elmwood Drive also located in the Wynn’s Hill-Overlook Historic District. Brian has a great sense of design when bringing modern enhancements to these historic homes while staying true to their historic fabric. Historic Columbus applauds Brian and all those who are willing to take on projects like these that help to preserve some of Columbus’ best historic properties.

Stay tuned for the release of Historic Columbus' Annual Impact Video on our social media!