Historic Preservation Commission
Overview
The Tybee Island Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) works closely with the Community Development Department and the Tybee Island Historical Society to preserve the island’s historic character, support appropriate improvements, and raise awareness of preservation incentives.
Throughout the year, HPC collaborates with the Development Authority/Main Street Program to achieve preservation-related goals.
Each May, HPC celebrates Historic Preservation Month with the Trolley Tour of Homes, a special event that takes participants on a journey through Tybee’s rich history and coastal charm. This tour offers an exclusive look inside some of the island’s most unique and historic properties.
The links below provide information about preservation projects and their economic impact. Tybee Island is home to three national historic districts and multiple individually listed historic properties.
More information about historic resources - including how to properly rehab your home, who can assist you with preservation sensitive projects, etc. - can be obtained from:
Tybee Island Historical Society
Tybee Light Station
912-786-5801
30 Meddin Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Tybee Island’s Community Development Department
912-472-5033
912-472-5112
Ordinance Establishing Charter
Article 14. Historic Preservation
Sec. 14-010. Purpose.
In support and furtherance of its findings and determination that the historical and cultural heritage of Tybee Island is among its most valued and important assets and that the preservation of this heritage is essential to the promotion of the health, prosperity, education, understanding and appreciation of historic properties, as well as the general welfare of the people;
In order to stimulate revitalization of the business districts and historic neighborhoods and to protect and enhance local historical attractions to tourists and thereby promote and stimulate business through a democratic process;
In order to enhance the opportunities for federal and state tax benefits under relevant provisions of federal and state law; and
In order to provide for the designation, protection, preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties and historic districts and to participate in federal and state programs to do the same;
The purpose and intent of this article to establish a uniform procedure for use in providing for the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of places, districts, sites, buildings, structures, objects and landscape features having special historical, cultural interest or value, in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Read Article 14 in its entirety.
Members

Holly Grell-Lawe
Chair
holly.grell-lawe@cityoftybee.org

Jacilyn Ledford
Commissioner

Mike Goldberg
Commissioner
Cara Cole
Commissioner
Marna Lewin
Commissioner

Maggie Wright
Staff Liaison
maggie.wright@cityoftybee.gov

Cassidi Kendrick
Communication & Outreach Director
cassidi.kendrick@cityoftybee.org

Sarah Jones
Advisor
sarah@tybeelighthouse.org

Historic Districts of Tybee Island
Click each item that follows to jump over to its respective page:
Mapping of National Parks Services National Register of Historic Places
Fort Screven Historic DistrictPDF (listed in 1982)
Strand Cottages Historic DistrictPDF (listed in 1999)
Back River Historic DistrictPDF (listed in 1999)
Economic Impact of Historic Preservation
In partnership with the Historic Savannah Foundation, the City of Tybee Island and the Tybee Island Historical Society helped underwrite a study specific to the economic impacts of historic preservation.
Place Economics methodically researched and prepared the report that shows the tremendous benefits of preserving our coastal community.
During May 2015, the findings in Beyond Tourism (PDF) were presented and made available.
