Historic Savannah Foundation confers 2024 Preservation Awards
After Jay Shah bought a neglected circa-1903 home in Savannah’s Eastside Historic District from the Historic Savannah Foundation, more than one person labeled him crazy. An architect hired by Shah asked him why on Earth he would want to buy what is known as the Taylor and Fletcher Whitfield House at 706 E. Henry St.
“I wanted to restore (the house) because history is my passion,” said Shah, who admitted that doing so was “challenging.” Special-ordered roofing materials, for example, took five months to arrive. From beginning to end the project took a year and a half.
But the grueling preservation also had its bright moments. Shah was outside the house sweeping one day when he noticed a couple sitting in a car looking at the home. Turns out the man’s grandmother lived in the house. Shah gave the couple a tour and the man pointed out various rooms that held treasured memories for him.
“That really made me feel good,” Shah said.
Who was honored with a 2024 Preservation Award?
Upon completion, the Whitfield Home is a standout on Henry Street and an award winner in the eyes of HSF and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
The home was one of a handful of projects recently recognized with a 2024 Preservation Award by HSF and, previous to the local honor, the Whitfield House received one of 26 awards for best in preservation in the state given by the Georgia Trust.
HSF describes the Whitefield House as an “an excellent example of side-hall Queen Anne architecture (that was) converted to a duplex in the 20th century before falling into years of neglect.
“This restoration project used archival evidence to restore the home’s distinctive wraparound porch as well as its original single-family interior floor plan.”
Recognized by HSF for work on the house were Shah, Bri Paxton, Ethos Preservation, James Reardon, Fedel Pedraza, Border X Construction.
Although the Whitfield House may have once looked like a lost cause, it certainly was not, according to Ellie Isaacs, HSF director of Preservation and Historic Properties.
“The Whitfield House is a phenomenal example of owners who strive to complete projects using best preservation practices, the importance of preservation tax credits, and the work HSF's Revolving Fund aims to do by saving historic resources others deem to be a lost cause,” Isaacs said. “The Whitfield House was once blighted and now has a new chapter in its 121-year life, ensuring that the building will live on and contribute to ongoing preservation efforts in the Eastside neighborhood."
In honor of May as Preservation Month, HSF presented awards to “individuals and organizations whose projects and contributions demonstrate the highest level of excellence for preservation in Savannah and Chatham County.”
At a recent awards ceremony, HSF CEO and President Sue Adler said “preservation truly has the power to uplift and transform communities. We’re thrilled to recognize and celebrate these deserving recipients and to highlight the important work they’ve done to help Savannah preserve its past while preparing for the future.”
In addition to the Whitfield House, HSF recognized the following projects with 2024 Preservation Awards:
31 Bluff Drive: One of four cottages built during the late 19th century by Isle of Hope resident Alexander Marcus Barbee, this historic home was returned to its original floor plan, with particular attention to historically appropriate details. Austin Hill; Eliseo Martinez; Greenline Architecture; Homeline Architecture.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: While the iconic Cathedral Basilica underwent an extensive interior restoration in 2000, this renovation project focused on Regina Coeli Hall, a new gathering space and chapel on the building’s lower level. Focusing on hand-applied materials and finishes, this project combined classic artisan skills with contemporary restoration technology. Catholic Diocese of Savannah; Sottile & Sottile; West Construction Company; Tharpe Engineering.
Arco Lounge and Coastal Eatery, 42 E. Bay St.: Originally constructed in 1859 by local merchant John Stoddard, this building on Factors’ Walk had lost much of its original floorplan during renovations into private residences. For inspiration, this renovation project used other local historic sites to reintroduce this building to public use, adding new vaulted ceilings, a stone bar and restored arched windows. Rhino Hospitality Group; J. Elder Studio; Pantheon ADC; Balfour Beatty.
John Asendorf House, 418 E. Jones St.: Built in 1870, the Asendorf House had lost most of its distinctive Victorian historic detail in a series of previous restorations and through neglect. This project relied on historic documentation to return this Jones Street treasure to its former glory on one of Savannah’s most iconic thoroughfares. Katie and John Fontana; Hallett Construction Company; JAK Homes.
2409 Waters Ave.: Part of the original Chatham Crescent neighborhood, this c. 1930 building has been home to numerous local businesses over the years, including the Black Carousel Lounge. This renovation project involved painstaking restoration and now hosts several local small businesses. Crescent Corner LLC; Ethos Preservation.
Doyle House, 510 E. 32nd St.: This 1906 structure adjacent to railroad tracks is located in the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District. The preservation team overcame years of neglect and deferred maintenance, returning this architectural gem to its historic single-family roots. Ken Odermatt, Josh Waters; Waters Building + Design.
Scottish Rite Building, 341 Bull St.: This iconic Hyman Witcover-designed building from the early 20th century served as the original home of the Savannah Masonic Lodge. The current owner, Savannah College of Art and Design, overcame years of neglect and extensive water damage to return this legendary Savannah building to its former glory while enhancing pedestrian safety in an area with high foot traffic. Savannah College of Art and Design; Landmark Preservation LLC; GEL Engineering.
In addition, the Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jeff Walker for his dedication and expertise as the Lead Project Manager at Brooks Construction. Walker managed the restoration of HSF’s Kennedy Pharmacy, the construction of HSF’s Murray C. Perlman & Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, the creation of the Davenport House Museum’s Urban Enslaved Exhibit and the interior restoration of the HSF headquarters in the Sheftall House at the corner of York and Habersham streets.
The 2024 HSF Preservation Award nominations were judged by an independent, all-volunteer panel of judges, including Jonathan Stalcup of Architectural Tours of Savannah, Mariel Hamer of Lynch Associates Architects and Caitlin Chamberlain with the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission.
The judges used the following general criteria to identify award winners:
Quality and degree of difficulty of the nominee’s project;
Degree to which the nominee’s project or effort is unusual or pioneering, or serves as an example that influences good preservation practices; and
Demonstrable or measurable impact of the nominee’s project on the community.
Lead HSF Preservation Award sponsors include Galvan Foundation, Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company, Landmark Preservation and Felder & Associates Architecture and Design. Additional support is provided by Brad Baugh, Brooks Construction Group LLC, Evans General Contractors, LS3P, Ogeechee Heating and Air, Symphona Technology and United Community Bank.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Historic Savannah Foundation confers 2024 Preservation Awards
