The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation earlier today presented 28 awards recognizing the best of preservation in Georgia during its 41^st annual Preservation Awards ceremony.

The Miller Theater in Augusta, Ga. received the Marguerite Williams Award, presented annually to the project that has had the greatest impact on preservation in the state. The building also received an award for Excellence in Rehabilitation.

The Miller Theater was recognized for its innovative use of virtually every preservation technique and program to achieve this astounding rehabilitation. This project is an exceptional example of community organizations and individuals coming together to create a facility that will have a lasting impact on the city of Augusta. Funded by a $23 million capital campaign, the rehabilitation project has already spurred intense redevelopment in downtown Augusta.

The Mary-Leila Lofts in Greensboro, Ga. received the Chairman's Award, presented by the chairman of The Georgia Trust to a person or project of great preservation significance. The building also received an award for Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation.

The Trust presented two awards for Excellence in Restoration, fourteen awards for Excellence in Rehabilitation, one award for Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation, one award for Excellence in Preservation, three awards for Excellence in Preservation Service and two awards for Excellence in Stewardship.

The Trust presented the Camille W. Yow Volunteer of the Year Award to Anthony Chanudet of Marietta. The Senator George Hooks Award for Public Service was awarded to Senator Johnny Isakson for his assistance in saving the Federal Historic Tax Credit. The Mary Gregory Jewett Award for Lifetime Preservation Service was given to Richard Laub, a recently retired preservation professor from Georgia State University.

The Excellence in Restoration winners were the AB&A Historic Train Depot in Fitzgerald and Cassina Garden Club Tabby Cabins on St. Simons Island.

Excellence in Rehabilitation winners were: Beeson Hall at Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville; the Benjamin Franklin Jones House, Augusta; Carter Hall at Covenant College, Lookout Mountain; Davis Hall at South Georgia State College, Douglas; the Harrington School, St. Simons Island; the Hermes-Gottlieb's Bakery and Residence, Savannah; Historic Macon Foundation Headquarters, Macon; the Howard Warner Building, Newnan; the James and Olive Porter House, Macon; King Hall at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton; The Grey, Savannah; Watkinson & Company Grocers Building, Augusta; and Wild Leap Brew Co., LaGrange.

The Oconee Brewing Company in Greensboro was recognized with an Excellence in Preservation award.

Excellence in Preservation Service winners were: Marvin and Phyllis Hughes of Gwinnett County; Nell and William Magruder of Canton; and William B. Peard of Atlanta.

Excellence in Stewardship winners were the Junior League of Athens for its long-term care and preservation of the Taylor Grady House in Athens and the Oconee County Board of Commissioners for its longtime dedication and maintenance of the Eagle Tavern Museum in Watkinsville.

"This year's winners represent a tremendous dedication to restoring and revitalizing Georgia's historic buildings and communities," said Mark C. McDonald, president of The Georgia Trust.  "We are proud to honor such deserving projects and individuals."