Hal and Priscilla Carter, 2005

Hal and Priscilla Carter were selected as this year's recipients of the Georgia Cities Foundation's "Renaissance Award." The Carters accepted the award during the Georgia Municipal Association's (GMA) Annual Convention on Sunday, June 26.

The Renaissance Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of one or more of Georgia's cities. The Carters were selected because of their efforts to preserve historic buildings in their hometown and in neighboring communities.
 
The Carters' first major restoration project was the landmark Woolard Hotel in downtown Sylvester. The Woolard Hotel was soon followed by the City of Sylvester Streetscape project, which earned the Carters the 2003 Certificate of Award for Excellence in Community Service by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Carters then became involved in restoration projects in Bainbridge and Moultrie. The BonAir Hotel in Bainbridge was restored to original condition and gained national attention when the project was recognized at the National Trust Preservation Conference in Rhode Island.

The Carters' involvement with the Georgia Cities Foundation began in 2003 with the renovation of the Colquitt Hotel in Moultrie. The restoration of this historic hotel has had a ripple effect on the community with further development occurring in the area.

"The Carters have done a phenomenal job promoting the revitalization of downtown areas," said Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. "Their hotel renovation projects have brought once decaying areas back to life and helped create jobs for the people in these communities. The Carters' efforts have stimulated further investment from both the public and private sectors."