McKey Building in Valdosta Wins 2024 Preservation Award

McKey Building, a historic landmark in Valdosta, Georgia, has been awarded the 2024 Preservation Award. Built in 1906, this four-story Renaissance Revival structure has been a cornerstone of the city’s architectural heritage, housing office tenants for over a century.

Thanks to a meticulous rehabilitation effort utilizing historic tax credits, the McKey Building has undergone a stunning transformation. The ground floor now hosts a bustling coffee shop, while the upper floors have been repurposed into event spaces, offices, and a boutique hotel.

Crucially, the project retained the building’s character-defining features, including its distinctive brick cladding, round-arched window openings, and elegant marble accents. Inside, original partitions, plaster finishes, doors, and clerestory windows have been preserved, maintaining the building’s historical integrity.

The revitalization of the McKey Building represents a significant milestone for Valdosta’s downtown. What was once a dormant structure has now become a vibrant hub, serving as an iconic centerpiece for the community. This transformation is expected to bolster tourism, spur economic growth, and contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the heart of Valdosta.