Historic Savannah Foundation honors preservation projects across Savannah and Chatham County

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Historic Savannah Foundation honored eight preservation projects and organizations during the 2026 HSF Preservation Awards ceremony held May 7 at Common Restaurant in downtown Savannah.

The annual awards recognize projects demonstrating excellence in preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, craftsmanship, and stewardship throughout Savannah and Chatham County.

Historic Savannah Foundation President and CEO Collier Neeley said the projects highlight how preservation can protect Savannah’s history while supporting future growth.

The President’s Choice Award went to the rehabilitation project at 2205-2207 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which restored the last historic structure on the block while adding new housing units, while other honored projects included the Emma Hamlet House, the fire-damaged Streamliner Diner, and restoration work at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts.

The Municipal Grand was recognized for transforming a former mid-century bank into a restored boutique hotel while preserving historic features, and the Forsyth Park Fountain was honored for restoration work that repaired historic ironwork and revived its original spray pattern.

Officials say the awards celebrate projects that preserve Savannah’s architectural and cultural identity for future generations.

2026 HSF Preservation Award Winners:

• 2205-2207 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard – President’s Choice Award
• Emma Hamlet House – Excellence in Rehabilitation
• Espy-Egan Cottage – Excellence in Rehabilitation
• The Municipal Grand – Excellence in Rehabilitation
• Savannah Culinary Institute – Excellence in Rehabilitation
• The Streamliner Diner – Excellence in Restoration
• Lucas Theatre for the Arts – Excellence in Craftsmanship
• Forsyth Park Fountain – Excellence in Stewardship