The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation on Friday recognized the Effingham County Courthouse among the best of preservation in Georgia during its 35th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Roswell. The courthouse, built originally in 1908 by Savannah architect Hyman Witcover, received an award for Excellence in Restoration.

The award-winning design and construction team included local firms, J.T. Turner Construction Company, Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Greenline Architecture, Dulohery Weeks and Trident Sustainability Group. The team followed the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation in order to maintain the building’s historical significance and character. Much of the building, along with the courtroom, was restored to its original 1908 appearance. The courthouse achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Greenline Architecture was honored to have had the opportunity to work on this outstanding Hyman Witcover building," said John Deering, a principal at Greenline. "We certainly have an appreciation for his architecture, as our offices are located in one his buildings in Savannah. We cannot express enough gratitude to the Georgia Trust for their appreciation of Effingham County’s dedication to this historic structure and the efforts of the design/ build team."

For more than 30 years, the Trust has recognized preservation projects and individuals in the state who have made significant contributions to the field of historic preservation. Awards are presented on the basis of the contributions to the community and/or state and on compliance to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Founded in 1973, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country’s largest statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations. The Trust is committed to preserving and enhancing Georgia’s communities and their diverse historic resources for the education and enjoyment of all.