City of Canton
The City of Canton has become a leader in municipal historic preservation by making preservation a core component of policy, planning, and public investment. As development pressure from metro Atlanta accelerated, Canton has made preservation a central aspect of community decision-making: establishing a Main Street program, expanding its local historic district, and adopting long-range plans that place historic preservation at the center of economic development and civic identity. Since 2018, the City has invested nearly $29 million in six major preservation projects, transforming at-risk historic buildings into active civic, cultural, and economic assets. These efforts include a public-private partnership to rehabilitate the Jones Mercantile Building, adaptive reuse of the former Canton High School as City Hall, rehabilitation of historic public safety facilities, and continued stewardship of the Canton Theatre. By consistently choosing rehabilitation over demolition—even amid complex challenges—Canton demonstrates preservation as a long-term public responsibility and a powerful tool for sustainable growth and community pride. Â
Preservation Service awards recognize persons, groups, businesses and/or government entities that demonstrate exemplary activities and promotion of awareness in the field of historic preservation.
