Historical Preservation of the Adam Strain Building
Shamrock+ Helps Record Historical Preservation of a Civil War Structure through Professional Photographic Documentation: Award-Winning Restoration of the 1813 Adam Strain Building
(April 2025 – Darien, GA / Savannah, GA) – Shamrock+ proudly supported the restoration of the historic Adam Strain Building by providing professional construction documentation photography. This imagery helped secure a 2025 AIA Savannah Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
A Historic Building Brought Back to Life
Led by preservation expert Rebecca Fenwick of Ethos Preservation, the multi-year project saved one of Georgia’s oldest waterfront structures. Built between 1813 and 1818 using tabby concrete, the Adam Strain Building has withstood fires, hurricanes, and the Civil War. However, before this project began, the structure faced severe deterioration and risk of collapse.
Now fully stabilized and beautifully restored, the building stands as a powerful example of early 19th-century craftsmanship and architectural resilience. The restoration honors Darien’s past while strengthening its future.
Preservation Through Visual Documentation
Shamrock+ provided high-resolution construction photography throughout the restoration. These visuals served multiple purposes. Specifically, they supported the award submission, guided on-site decisions, and documented key phases for archival and educational use.
“It was an honor to visually preserve a building that has endured more than 200 years of Georgia’s history,” said Jim Lee, co-founder and CEO of Shamrock+. “Capturing the Adam Strain Building’s transformation was about storytelling. Our goal was to highlight the craftsmanship, care, and community behind this success.”
To achieve this, Shamrock+ used professional camera equipment and strategic on-site documentation techniques. As a result, the team delivered a complete visual timeline of the project. Each photo captured progress, detailed preservation methods, and showcased the expertise of the teams involved. Ultimately, these images helped share the story of restoration with both the local community and future generations.
Technology Meets Preservation
From beginning to end, visual technology supported the restoration. High-quality photography documented structural conditions, milestone achievements, and critical details. As a result, project leaders could track work efficiently and share progress with stakeholders. The documentation also helps future architects and preservationists learn from the process.
“Collaborating with teams like Shamrock+ allowed us to document the restoration journey with care and precision,” said Rebecca Fenwick, principal at Ethos Preservation. “This was more than saving a building. It was about honoring our history and creating a legacy for generations to come.”
Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future
The restored Adam Strain Building is now a community asset and a case study in adaptive reuse. It showcases how preservation can serve modern needs while protecting architectural heritage. As the role of visual documentation grows in historic preservation, this project highlights the importance of combining advanced tools with expert storytelling.
Through professional construction photography and a deep understanding of the built environment, Shamrock+ helps preserve the past and empower the future.
About Shamrock+
Shamrock+ is a service-disabled veteran-owned business headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. The company specializes in professional photography, 3D scanning, drone services, and reality capture solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. From aerial photography and LiDAR mapping to interactive 3D virtual tours, Shamrock+ delivers advanced visual tools that support planning, documentation, and storytelling.
Shamrock+ proudly serves clients across Savannah and the Southeastern U.S. To learn more, visit www.shamrockplus.com, call 912-387-0884, or email info@shamrockplus.com.
Office: 110 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd, Savannah, GA 31406.Tools