Derrek Vaughn | Valdosta Daily TimesKeira Moritz-Johnson transformed the run-down Alamo Theater building into Birdies Market and Catering, a vibrant downtown hotspot.

VALDOSTA — The city has announced the winners of the 2017 Valdosta Historic Preservation Awards, and they range from a popular brunch spot to a stylish event center to a car dealership.

The yearly awards showcase projects and people in the city’s historic district who “have gone above and beyond to preserve and protect Valdosta’s history and historic buildings.”

Here are the winners who will be honored at the May 25 City Council meeting:

 

Keira Moritz-Johnson, Birdies Market and Catering

Johnson received an Outstanding Achievement award for her large-scale renovation of the run-down Alamo Theater building. Now the building is known for her popular business, Birdies.

The bottom floor is a retail store and restaurant that includes Grassroots Coffee. The top floor is a large event space.

“The upstairs holds 100 or more people and has the charm of old wood floors, brick walls and tall ceilings. What a great save!” the city said in its council agenda packet.

 

Albert Slone, The Patterson

Slone received an Outstanding Achievement award for his stunning rehabilitation of the buildings at 101 N. Patterson St.

“Mr. Slone transformed a rather plain commercial box into a dazzling Art Deco-themed, multi-story 18,000 square foot event center. The Patterson has become a focal point for downtown activities and events,” the city said.

The Patterson’s two stories are equipped with elaborate and glamorous detailing, lighting fixtures and furniture.

 

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, E.R. Barber House

The chamber received a Distinguished Merit award for renovating the inside and outside of its office space, the historic Barber house.

“Now the Barber house and Chamber of Commerce can enjoy each other’s company for many years to come, and the house will stand as a proud example of Neoclassical Architecture associated with grand historic southern homes,” the city said.

 

Alex Alvarez and Joel Grimes, 502 N. Patterson St.

Grimes and Alvarez received a Distinguished Merit award for renovating a downtown building and making it a contributing historic resource.

“The exterior of the building is dramatically more attractive and beautiful as a result, and the historic character now shows through,” the city said.

 

Langdale Ford Motor Company

Langdale Ford received a Distinguished Merit award for the architectural update to its dealership and used car sales buildings and for the construction of the Fast Lane building.

“Landgale Ford has done a great job fitting its buildings neatly into the fabric of the Local Historic District,” the city said.

 

The Wesley Foundation, Discipleship House

The Wesley was recognized for Excellence in New Construction for building a new house at 1601 N. Patterson St. and matching it to The original Wesley building’s historic look and detailing.

 

Bruce Green, Lifetime Achievement

Bruce Green was given the Harold Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award for his many efforts to bolster historic preservation in the community, such as helping to create the Valdosta Heritage Foundation and the local Main Street Program.

“Before preserving historic buildings was fashionable, Bruce and his mom purchased a two-story Victorian Era house on River Street and turned it into a quaint B&B and Tea Room. Adjacent to the house, Bruce’s hand laid thousands of antique bricks to form a street,” the city said.

“Historic Preservation in Valdosta would be nowhere close to what it is today without Bruce Green.”