Savannah Architecture firm, Hansen Architects, alongside clients Corey Jones and Ryon Thompson, was awarded a Historic Preservation Award from the Historic Savannah Foundation for the renovation of 309 East Gaston Street.

Built in 1867, the Greek Revival style duplex was constructed by Donald McDonald from plans he drew as a double tenement for members of his family. McDonald was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Albany and Gulf Railroad Company. Mr. McDonald sold the building in 1890 to Johanna Rogers and Henry D. Stevens. In subsequent years, this block of Gaston Street would become an exclusive enclave of the city’s political elite. In the 1940s the interior was divided into multiple rental units. In the 1950s, one side of the duplex was demolished for the construction of a retail building.

Thompson and Jones purchased the home in 2013 and renovations began in 2015 with the intent to reinstate the structure into a single family home for use in Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals’ portfolio. The Owners hired Hansen Architects for the renovation, as well as to apply for tax credits on the Historic home. This type of application requires extensive documentation of the existing conditions and research on the original layout of the structure. The additional process of applying for tax credits was an investment of time and money that was important to the new owners in order to enhance the historic fabric of Gaston Street. The home had been used as multiple units for 73 years and now is restored back to its original use as a single family, 5 bedroom h  ome with a freshly painted and landscaped exterior.