News and Updates

SGSC’s Douglas Campus dining hall receives award from The Georgia Trust

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation presented its Excellence in Rehabilitation Award to South Georgia State College May 16 for SGSC’s dining hall renovation on the Douglas Campus.

“The Douglas Campus dining hall renovation is a beautiful example of the important relationship between preservation and stewardship,” said SGSC President Dr. Virginia Carson.  “Through this project, we were able to preserve a historic asset to our Douglas Campus while also moving the College forward for our current and future students.  I am deeply appreciative to The Georgia Trust for recognizing our efforts.”

Located in the center of the Douglas Campus near residential and student life areas, the dining hall was originally constructed in 1927 and served in its initial capacity until the 1970s when dining services were moved to Engram Hall.

Following ten months of construction during the 2010-2011 academic year, the $6.5 million renovation now includes over 15,000 square feet of space and the capacity to seat 300 students.  It features cafeteria-style dining, which includes a pizza bar, grill area, soup and salad bar, quick-service counter, and other features and services.

Outside, the balustrades above the porches were replaced and the historic window configuration was restored.  A new addition to the rear of the building was added by utilizing similar materials, which, according to The Georgia Trust, “complement(ed) the historic building while relating to the mid-century buildings nearby.”

“Through this impressive project, South Georgia State College has been able to restore its historic dining hall for a new century of use,” said the organization in an official press release announcing the award.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 that “is committed to preserving and enhancing Georgia’s communities and their diverse historic resources for the education and enjoyment of all.”

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PHOTO: SGSC President Dr. Virginia Carson (third from left) recently accepted the Excellence in Rehabilitation Award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for the renovation of SGSC’s dining hall.  Also pictured are (L-R) Georgia Trust President and CEO Mark McDonald, Gita Hendessi Gardner, president of Hendessi & Associates, LLC., Dr. Carson, Jackson Kane of LAS Jackson, SGC Foundation President Barry Bloom, and Georgia Trust Vice Chairman Bill Peard.