News and Media

Published: Dec 10, 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga.-The Savannah College of Art and Design accepted two honors from Historic Savannah Foundation at the foundation's annual meeting in November. The university was recognized for its preservation efforts and its long-term commitment to heritage conservation.

Daniel Carey, CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation, presented a preservation award to SCAD for its restoration of Arnold Hall. Home to SCAD's liberal arts programs, Arnold Hall was originally the first Chatham County public high school named for Richard Arnold, five-time Savannah mayor and an architect of the Georgia public school system. Containing approximately 80,000 square feet of space, including a gallery and a technologically advanced, 607-seat auditorium for lectures and presentations, Arnold Hall was renovated using LEED and historic preservation guidelines. SCAD shares the honor with Hansen Architects and The Carson Company.

SCAD was also the recipient of HSF's first ever President's Award, which recognizes long-term architectural and preservation achievements. "Thanks to the visionary leadership of President Paula Wallace, SCAD has helped position Savannah as the heart of the creative coast-all the while respecting the history and architecture of this venerable city. SCAD's record of achievement and litany of awards is impressive to say the least. Its rehabilitation and adaptive use of 70 historic buildings in Savannah alone is worthy of the ultimate recycling award," said Carey in his award presentation.

Woven throughout the historic fabric of Savannah, SCAD facilities include many historic buildings that have been adapted by the university for contemporary uses. This unique "recycled" urban location is an ideal setting for the study of historic preservation and has become a model for preservationists worldwide.

The SCAD historic preservation program is the most comprehensive in the world, offering both bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as a minor in cultural landscape. In addition, SCAD is the only university that also offers a fully online M.A. degree in historic preservation.

For interview and image requests, media may call 912.525.5210.