Press Releases 2006

Published: Nov 8, 2005

Savannah, Ga. — The Savannah College of Art and Design's Kiah Hall, 227 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., was recently selected to receive a $290,000 federal grant from Save America’s Treasures. Kiah Hall, once called the Gray Building, was one of only two 2005 recipients chosen in the state of Georgia and the only recipient in Savannah.

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services jointly announced the awarding of $14.89 million in federal Save America's Treasures grants. With these funds, 61 organizations and agencies will act to conserve significant cultural treasures that illustrate, interpret and are associated with the great events, ideas and individuals that contribute to the nation’s history and culture. Through the Congressionally appropriated Save America's Treasures program, awards were made to 32 nationally significant historic properties and sites and 29 nationally significant artifacts, collections, documents and artistic works.

In a press release issued by Saxby Chamblis, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Isakson said, The Savannah College of Art and Design has taken great pains to restore the Gray Building, now Kiah Hall, and I am pleased they are receiving aid for the continued upkeep of this state treasure.

Kiah Hall was one of the original components of the Central of Georgia railroad complex and was designed to serve as the 16,978-square-foot administrative building for the railway. Designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Parks Service in 1976, Kiah Hall now houses the college’s Earle W. Newton Center for British and American Studies, a collection of art, rare books and maps donated to SCAD by retired museum director, publisher and educator Earle W. Newton, Ph.D. Built in 1856 with a design traditionally credited to Augustus Schwaab, the three-story, Greek Revival-style building features a Doric colonnade, portico ceiling paintings with a scalloped shell design, gold leaf and flower motifs, and a large ceiling medallion.

The Save America's Treasures federal grant will address the critical threat of moisture penetration into Kiah Hall by replacing the roof, repointing the exterior and interior masonry, reconstructing the damaged brick walls on the ground level and repairing specific areas of damage.

Maureen Burke, Ph.D., dean of academic initiatives and executive museum director/ chief curator for the Newton Center, said the college is thrilled to receive the grant. The Savannah College of Art and Design is honored to be one of the select recipients of the Save America’s Treasures grant. The rehabilitation of Kiah Hall will preserve an important part of the national heritage, honoring its dual role as a vital centerpiece of the Central of Georgia’s landmark railroad complex and its individual merit as the oldest extant railroad office building in the country.

Burke added, The Earle W. Newton Center for British and American Studies has attracted more than 30,000 visitors to events, lectures and exhibitions over the past three years. Kiah Hall and its public programming make a valuable contribution to the region’s educational, artistic and cultural resources while preserving an important antebellum transportation and architectural icon for future generations.

Media inquiries may be directed to 912.525.5225.