Buckhead Heritage annually recognizes a Preservationist of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year. These awards are named in honor of two longtime Buckhead Heritage volunteers who helped make a significant impact on the organization.
Buckhead Heritage is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 by a group of Buckhead residents who recognized the need for an advocacy organization to protect Buckhead’s significant historic resources for the benefit of future generations.
The Belle Turner Lynch Preservation Award is bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of their architectural and cultural heritage. There were two recipients this year.
Walter and Gloria Cheatham, residents of Tuxedo Park, led the years-long effort to successfully have the Tuxedo Park Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of the neighborhood is fascinating. The earlier historic homes, many designed by prominent Georgia architects, represent most of the 20th-century Revival styles, while the later homes exemplify mid-century house types.
David Yoakley Mitchell, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center, worked closely with the Cheathams for many months to ensure that the Tuxedo Park Historic District was successfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places. David has been at the helm of APC since 2020 and has reinvigorated the organization by raising awareness of the city’s identity and history. He is also leading the effort to have the Chastain Arts Center landmarked, which will protect it in perpetuity.
The Bob Helget Award for Outstanding Volunteerism is given to eligible candidates who are members and have demonstrated volunteer service that is conspicuously above and beyond the reasonably expected duties and responsibilities of a Buckhead Heritage volunteer.
John Beach, this year’s recipient, launched the Tree Project, a personal interest he developed outside the organization and later brought in and promoted during his presidency. The project enabled the public to identify older trees that may date back to the 1821 survey of Buckhead. He also created the Historic Treasures Survey Mapping database, which displays all of Buckhead’s historic resources on a map and allows visitors to update information and nominate new locations.