Eleven new sites have been added to the Georgia Register of Historic Places, following approval by the state’s National Register Review Board on October 24, 2025. The board reviews nominations for both the state and national registers, with listing on the Georgia Register serving as a prerequisite for consideration by the National Park Service.
The newly listed properties reflect a range of historic resources across Georgia. Among them are educational buildings such as Waleska Elementary School in Cherokee County and Euharlee Elementary School in Polk County; residential structures like Granada Apartments and The Building at 220 Sunset Avenue in Atlanta; commercial landmarks including First Federal Savings & Loan Association Headquarters in Savannah; and entire districts such as Chalk Level Historic District in Newnan and Brooks Historic District in Fayette County.
“These nominations encompass a diverse range of history and resource types across the state,” according to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The department noted that sharing information about these listings aims to encourage preservation efforts through public awareness and appreciation of their social and economic impact.
One notable addition is the Chalk Level Historic District, which began as an African American community during segregation. It includes schools, churches, housing built during urban renewal efforts, cemeteries, and is associated with Dr. John Henry Jordan who established the district’s first hospital for African Americans.
In Atlanta, several properties were recognized:
– The Building at 220 Sunset Avenue was constructed by Whatley Brothers Construction Company for the Jackson family when Vine City was one of few neighborhoods open to Black residents. Dr. Irene Dobbs Jackson lived there while advocating for civil rights.
– The Atlanta Constitution Building housed editorial offices under Ralph McGill, known for his advocacy on racial justice.
– Granada Apartments exemplifies Spanish Revival-style architecture from 1924.
– Mark Inn East represents mid-century motel development trends.
– Milton Avenue School demonstrates early urban school design adapted over time.
– Stewart Avenue Industrial Historic District contains about 50 industrial buildings reflecting Atlanta’s shift from agriculture to industry.
Other additions include First Federal Savings & Loan Association Headquarters in Savannah—a mid-century International Style building designed by Levy and Kiley—and Brooks Historic District, representing a crossroads railroad town south of Fayetteville.
The DCA’s Historic Preservation Division oversees programs related to environmental review, grants, surveys, tax incentives, national register nominations, and community assistance aimed at promoting preservation statewide.
“The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rental housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit dca.georgia.gov.”
