Hotel Forty Five Receives Michael Starr Award from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

Posted: April 27, 2023

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Downtown Macon Boutique Hotel Recognized for Historic Rehabilitation at the 2023 Preservation Awards

MACON, Ga. (April 26, 2023) – Hotel Forty Five has received this year’s Michael Starr Award by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation at the 2023 Preservation Awards. Recognized during The Georgia Trust Spring Ramble in Atlanta on Saturday, April 22, the hotel was honored as a project that exemplifies the highest standards of historic rehabilitation, which has a significant impact on the downtown area of the city of which it is located in.

Created in 2020 in memory of Michael Starr, former board chair of The Georgia Trust and the Georgia Cities Foundation, the Michael Starr award honors projects that effectively preserve the historical character and integrity while positively contributing to the economic, cultural and social well-being of the community. The recipient of this award demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving the unique history and heritage of its city and to promoting sustainable and responsible development practices.

“We are deeply honored to receive this year’s Michael Starr Award and to join company with many other coveted projects across the state of Georgia” said Joe Collier, president and founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “Our goal has always been to respect and honor Macon’s deep-rooted history within every corner of the hotel while bringing a new experience to the downtown area.”

Since 1978, The Georgia Trust’s annual Preservation Awards recognize projects, groups and individuals who contribute to preservation excellence throughout Georgia. Each year, honorees are awarded in the following categories: Excellence in Rehabilitation, Excellence in Preservation, Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation, Excellence in Restoration, Stewardship, and Preservation Service.

Though a newer addition to the community, Hotel Forty Five’s location is long established in Macon’s history dating back to the 1800s. Located on the iconic 45-degree angle formed by Cherry Street and Cotton Avenue, the angled street was a city design ahead of its time that made transportation of cotton barges to and from the Ocmulgee River possible. The original building lived many lives, hosting Banker’s Health & Life Insurance Company, the Southern Trust and most recently the Willie C. Hill Annex.

Hotel Forty Five opened in early 2022, offering a place for both locals and visitors to enjoy while paying homage to the building’s historical significance through its thoughtful design. The hotel offers three on-site dining outlets – Loom, the hotel’s signature Southern revival-inspired restaurant; Hightales Rooftop Bar located atop the sixth floor with sweeping views of Macon, craft cocktails and small plates; and Reckon Coffee & Wine Bar offering grab-and-go breakfast items and pastries, coffee, wine and more.

For more information and to visit Hotel Forty Five, visit hotelfortyfive.com.

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About Hotel Forty Five
Hotel Forty Five, owned by IDP Properties and Mainsail Lodging & Development, is a 94-room boutique hotel in Macon, Georgia. Joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, an exceptional collection of independent hotels and resorts with unique personalities and spirit, Hotel Forty Five celebrates the building’s original character and historic significance. Each of Hotel Forty Five’s rooms and suites immerse guests in a timeless experience, providing the ideal space to rest and recharge. Vintage design elements with rich contrasting colors and copper metal accents are featured throughout creating a redefined yet classic finish. Hotel Forty Five boasts three different dining concepts, Loom, Hightales Rooftop Bar and Reckon Coffee & Wine Bar. Occupying one of downtown Macon’s few remaining historic high-rises, the boutique hotel is aptly named after its location on an iconic 45-degree angle, formed by Cherry and First Streets with Cotton Avenue. For more information please go to hotelfortyfive.com, or follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing leadership team, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com

About IDP Properties
IDP Properties is a full-service real estate development firm headquartered in Valdosta, Ga that invests in and redevelops communities. The IDP team has completed over $1 billion dollars in projects and specializes in acquisition, property management, consulting and development. IDP takes pride that each project they develop is as diverse as the communities they serve. IDP Properties’ purpose is to strengthen communities and leave a lasting positive impact.

About Tribute Portfolio
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With more than 55 hotels open around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in California and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Noelle in Nashville and The Slaak in Rotterdam, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.