60th Annual Preservation Awards (Part 3): The Mill District, Midtown, Uptown, and Around Town
These individuals, businesses, and organizations have opened their homes, volunteered their time, improved their neighborhoods, educated the public on our local history, and have taken on the long, challenging, and deeply rewarding work of preserving our historic places and telling our community’s stories.
Peacock Woods - Dimon Circle
Located in the Peacock Woods - Dimon Circle Historic District, the historic Robert E. Dismukes, Sr. House (1617 Summit Drive) is a beautiful example of early 1920’s Federal design with Greek Revival details. The home was originally drawn by Atlanta architect Neil Reid and is said to be one of his last and finest homes. It is also the only example of his work here in Columbus. Menza and Jackie Dudley have painstakingly renovated the home bringing it back to its former glory as a standout property in Midtown Columbus. Historic Columbus celebrates the Dudley’s and their commitment to preserving this significant historic home.
The Mill District
Built in 1915 by the Bibb Manufacturing Company for the children of its employees, the Bibb School operated until 2001. Adjacent to the formal school building, the smaller Bibb School Annex that was recently renovated to become a three-bedroom rental property. The “little schoolhouse,” through its interior design, pays homage to the Bibb community and school to include chalkboards on the wall. Harley and Elizabeth Hoad have become true assets to the Bibb Village Historic District and Historic Columbus is extremely appreciative of their hard work continuing to renovate historic properties throughout the neighborhood.
NeighborWorks Columbus, led by Kimberly Hinton-Poole, constructed not one, but two new infill houses (2302 and 2306 First Avenue) in the City Village neighborhood just north of City Mills. These two houses represent some of the first examples of new construction for single family homes in this area in decades. The two-story homes were built by local contractor Robert Flowers earlier this year and have already sold to two new homeowners. Historic Columbus applauds housing partners like NeighborWorks Columbus who are taking on the challenging task of building affordable quality housing in our community.
Continuing to push forward in the North Highland neighborhood, Truth Spring, led by Rob and Carrie Strickland, is steadily working to make housing improvements along Sixth Avenue (3233 Sixth Avenue A, B, C, & D). No stranger to renovation and rehab work, these four houses are only part of a larger plan. Truth Spring is helping to provide skills-based training along with affordable housing in the community they serve. This neighborhood and its residents will without a doubt be reaping the benefits of this work for decades into the future.
Uptown
On May 21, 1831, the Columbus Fire Department was established as a volunteer company. Columbus Fire Company No. 1 was formally organized in 1843 as the Columbus Hook & Ladder Company. Station No. 1 occupied this Bungalow style building from 1920 until 1948. By 1950, the building served as a branch of the First National Bank of Columbus. After many years, 1338 Broadway was in need of a new owner to address deferred maintenance. The YMCA was able to gain control of the property with a partnership with Cecil Cheves to begin the process of outfitting the space for additional YMCA activities. Refitting the building with historically accurate windows was one of the major improvements to the property and it was executed beautifully. Our hats are off to Cecil, the John P. Thayer YMCA, Chattahoochee Homeworks, and Carver Contracting for making this significant historic property a treasure once again.
Originally constructed as a bank in 1953 with a detached drive through, the two buildings located at 1239 3rd Avenue have undergone a major transformation. Now, home to RAM Hotels corporate offices, Rinkesh Patel and Mat Patel have created a class A office space located along one of Columbus’ busiest corridors. Retaining much of the original mid-century precast concrete façade, the Patels added a number of modern features to suit their business while retaining the mid-century presence on the street. RAM consistently delivers quality in all of their projects and Historic Columbus is proud to be able to recognize their efforts.
Weracoba-St. Elmo
This beautiful craftsman bungalow style home located at 1913 18th Avenue was recently renovated to its former glory. The home is located within the historic Weracoba-St. Elmo neighborhood that has continued to thrive since it was first developed in the early 1900’s. This home is a great example of what new home construction looked like in the first quarter of the 20th century in Columbus. Historic Columbus appreciates the efforts of River City Ventures and Mary Lee Holm who continue to see value in these historic neighborhoods.
Wynnton Village
The historic Wynnton community is known for its many local landmarks and institutions—from historic homes and AFLAC to scrambled dogs and Thrill Hill. Among them is the beloved Blue J Barbershop, which helped people look their best from 1928 until it closed in 2009. After Jennifer Flournoy purchased the building and envisioned a new future for the property, barbershop owners Jud Richardson and Josh McKeehan joined forces in 2025 to reopen the Blue J in true historic fashion. They restored the original tile and curated period barber chairs and décor, recreating an experience much like stepping into the shop in 1928. Congratulations to Jennifer, Jud, and Josh on a restoration well done.
Around Town
Built in 1931 by Benjamin Hurt Hardaway, Jr., Hardaway Hall was constructed in the English Tudor style using fieldstone sourced from the property. The home, which belonged to Eliza’s grandparents and great-grandparents, is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Last year, Eliza and Jeremy Brewer painstakingly restored the home, reworking original bathrooms and family room, as well as creating a beautiful primary suite. Historic Columbus is grateful to Jeremy and Eliza for continuing their family legacy and preserving this incredible historic structure.
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