Published 7/28/06 in The Times-Herald
Text: Eugene Surber, who served as principal architect on the restoration of the Wadsworth Auditorium, has been recognized by the state.
The Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recognized Surber at its 10th annual Preservation Achievement Awards program. The meeting was held in Atlanta following a National Register Review Board meeting.
Award recipients were recognized for their contributions while working in conjunction with HPD and its programs. The individuals and organizations were nominated by division staff members and were recognized as having helped further HPD's mission, vision and goals, thereby making a significant contribution to historic preservation in Georgia.
Surber, FAIA, was honored "for his advocacy and excellent preservation work on state-owned historic resources." He is with the Atlanta firm of Surber, Barber, Choate and Hertlein.
Surber has been a strong advocate for the Historic Preservation Division's programs and services. As a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Board of Advisors, he has ensured coordination between NTHP and HPD on numerous projects.
His firm has worked on several State Stewardship projects, including restoration work on University Chapel and Demosthenian Hall at the University of Georgia; the Therapeutic Pools and Springs Complex at the Little White House State Historic Site; and structures on the Hardman Farm, which the Department of Natural Resources will eventually open as a state historic site.
"Gene Surber's dedication to rehabilitation, preservation and restoration makes Georgia a better place," said Jane Cassidy, HPD's management and information unit manager.
Others receiving awards were Bill Blankenship, Fort Mountain Preservation Services, Woodstock; Pratt Cassity, Center for Community Design, Planning and Preservation, Athens; Garbutt Construction Company, Dublin; David Haire and William Webb, Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Materials and Research, Forest Park; Darren Harper, economic development director, City of Kingsland; Dan Latham, Coosa Valley Regional Development Center, Rome; James Reap, Athens attorney; Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society; and Burke Walker, Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center, Athens.
The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia's state historic preservation office. Its mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia.
HPD's programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, community planning, technical assistance and the National Register of Historic Places.