Historic Macon handed out its 2026 Preservation Awards Tuesday night, honoring significant restoration projects and saluting several people for their contributions to preservation and Macon’s revitalization.

Executive Director Emily Hopkins shared highlights of Historic Macon’s last 12 months, welcoming those who attended the annual meeting at the Gilmer Warehouse & Logistics building in downtown Macon.

The preservation nonprofit also welcomed a new board chairman and a new slate of board members.

Among Historic Macon’s highlights for the year: starting work on the former Korner Kupboard store, converting it to two apartments; completing work at 169 Lamar St., a former Fading Five site that has become two apartments; record fundraising during two Flea Markets; helping showcase the new Neel’s Lofts during the 2026 Patrons Party; and working with partners to get House Bill 376 passed in the General Assembly, which will expand the cap on historic commercial tax credits.

“We’re so proud of this year’s Preservation Award winners and their commitment to preservation,” Hopkins said. “And we want to thank our members, our volunteers and our partners, all of whom stand with us to forge a stronger Macon through the power of preservation.”

Here are HMF’s 2026 Preservation Award winners:

Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration of a residential,  single-family home:

•  260 Orange St.: Lesli and Bill Underwood;

Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration of Commercial, Institutional or Rental Property:

• Social Duck and Bearfoot Tavern, 476-468 Second St.: Drs. Kris and Janine Ellis;

        Adaptive Reuse

• Residential: Cottage at Glenridge Land Lot 36 (951 Glenridge Drive): Julie Grimm; 
• Commercial: SoPop Studios, 1080 Third St.: Ryan Griffin and Ethiel and Michelle Garlington;

Josh M. Rogers Revitalization Award:

• Neel’s Lofts, 462 Cherry St.: Robbo Hatcher, Bob Hatcher, H2 Capital; James Fritze, NewTown Macon;
• Rosa Parks Square: Macon-Bibb County;

Katherine Carmichael Oliver Stewardship Award:

• Adrian Jelks, Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society, for their efforts to improve Oak Ridge Cemetery and other historic Macon sites;

Maryel Ramsey Battin Award (for contributions to Historic Macon and its mission):

• William Slocumb, for his decades of service to HMF in a variety of capacities, from board service to longtime Flea Market volunteering;

Jenny Thurston Award (lifetime achievement):

• Pat Muse, HMF’s outgoing board chair who has served on the board for years and volunteered during each Flea Market; 

Thad E. Murphey President's Choice Award:

• The Macon legislative delegation, for its advocacy of House Bill 376. State Rep. Dr. Anissa Jones accepted the award.