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PLACES IN PERIL REPORT CARD Since 2005, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has been compiling an annual list of 10 historic places across the state that are at risk of neglect, lack of funds, encroaching development, or even worse, demolition. Here's a status report on past years' sites. Adam-Strain Building, McIntosh County (2008) Fall 2010: No change in status. Fall 2009: Discussions are ongoing to develop a preservation plan for the building. Fall 2008: Darien’s Director of Community Development, Frank Feild, put together a group to work on long-term plans for the building. The owner is interested in the building being preserved and the group is coming up with ideas for feasible uses. The DCA and Georgia Trust have become involved and are brainstorming with the Department of Economic Development on ways to use the building as part of larger town-wide tourism efforts as a way of bringing economic development to the town. A.L. Miller Senior High School for Girls, Bibb County (2008) Fall 2010: A feasability study is taking place. Fall 2009: The Georgia Trust has been active in encouraging redevelopment discussions and seeking continued planning to evaluate the highest and best use of the complex. Fall 2008: The Knight Foundation with Beverly Blake sponsored a town hall meeting to discuss possible future uses of the building and ways to raise funds. Aluminum Hill Mill Workers’ Houses, Putnam County (2007) Fall 2010: Despite efforts from Eatonton's historic preservation commission, the buildings were transferred to the Eatonton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and due to much pressure from City Council and the community in general, the DDA voted to sell or raze all but three of the seventeen houses in order to clear the site for construction of Habitat housing. Fall 2009: The buildings continue to deteriorate. Fall 2008: In January 2008 the city of Eatonton purchased the houses and shortly thereafter boarded them up. The City handed them over to the newly formed Downtown Development Authority so they could decide what to do with them. UGA students did a charette during which they addressed the mill workers' houses. Andalusia, Baldwin County (2006) Fall 2010: After much restoration work to the estate’s outbuildings, work on the main house is underway starting with a fresh coat of paint in January. The property is also under review for the prestigious National Landmark designation. Fall 2009: Restoration is continuing on the numerous outbuildings with plans to completely restore the main house. Fall 2008: Since being placed on The Georgia Trust's Places in Peril list in 2006, Andalusia has completed several restoration projects and is pursuing others. With assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division’s Georgia Heritage Grant and donations from the Knight Foundation, City of Milledgeville, and Friends of Andalusia, the water tower behind the main house was fully restored in 2007. The next year, a grant from the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board in Milledgeville made possible the restoration of the old pump house located next to the water tower. The next project is the restoration of the milk-processing shed. The Foundation has also been developing an Outdoor Learning Center with funding from the E. J. Grassmann Trust and the Knight Foundation. This project involved restoring a pond, building interpretative nature trails, and installing tree identification labels. Interpretive signs linking the landscape with O'Connor's literature are scheduled to be installed in September. Funding for the Foundation has increased each year, along with visitation to Andalusia, but millions of dollars are needed to fully restore the main house and other structures to preserve this internationally significant landmark for generations to come. Auburn/Edgewood Avenue Commercial District, Fulton (2006) Fall 2010: No progress to report. Fall 2009: The Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC) is working to encourage the redevelopment and sustainable reuse of the corridor. Fall 2008: No progress to report. Battery Backus, Chatham County (2009) Fall 2010: The listing of Battery Backus as a 2009 Places in Peril site has helped facilitate the creation of local historic districts on Tybee Island and a Fort Screven Historic Review Commission. Requests to develop the property (and destroy the Battery) have been denied under the Georgia Coastal Protection act. Currently the site is owned by a bank. Fall 2009: In September, a Shore Protection Committee voted unanimously to deny a construction permit under the Shore Protection Act. Berrien County Courthouse (2011) Bibb Mill, Muscogee County (2009) Fall 2010: The architectural firm of Barnes and Company in Columbus completed designs for redevelopment and construction is underway. Fall 2009: Just weeks after being placed on the Places in Peril list, this historic textile mill was destroyed by fire. The architecture firm of Barnes and Company in Columbus is working on designs for the redevelopment of the site. Campbell Chapel AME Church, Sumter County (2009) Fall 2010: The congregation is continues to raise funds for stabilization work. Fall 2009: The congregation continues to raise funds for extensive stabilization work to take place in the chapel building. Canton Grammar School, Canton (2010) Fall 2010: The Georgia Trust brought in a preservation architect to examine each option. In February 2010, the Cherokee County Board of Education met to focus on three options, including demolition, for the building and voted unanimously to table discussions until a further date. Discussions are ongoing with the Cherokee County Board of Education to plan alternative options for the building. Capricorn Recording Studios, Macon (2010) Fall 2010: The plan to rehabilitate was stalled when the property changed hands; it is now owned by Atlantic Southern bank and is listed for sale by the Summit Group for $450,000. The Castle, Fulton County (2008) Fall 2010: In July, the bank foreclosed on the Castle after Inman Park Properties failed to pay its $2 million loan. Fall 2009: Currently for sale. Fall 2008: No progress to report. Central State Hospital (2010) Fall 2010: A workday in April 2010, focused on the collections and interior conditions of the former train depot that is now being used as the hospital's museum. A task force has been formed and met in late July outlining plans to assist Georgia College and State University to reusing some of the vacant structures. The Georgia Trust is also assisting in the development of a historic district nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. City Auditorium, Ware County (2007) Fall 2010: Local citizens are still working to raise funds for the stabilization and rehabilitation of the auditorium. Fall 2009: In August 2009, the City of Waycross and the Waycross Police Department hosted National Night Out, where the public had an opportunity to review rehabilitation plans for the City Auditorium. Fall 2008: The city has an excess of $1 million to renovate the building and the project is in the beginning stages. City Mills, Muscogee County (2006) Fall 2010: Still uninhabited, the building remains susceptible to the dangers of neglect. Fall 2009: Large uninhabited building is still vacant and susceptible to neglect and fire. Fall 2008: Situation unchanged, still for sale and in same condition. Cockspur Lighthouse, Chatham County (2008) Fall 2010: The Army Corp of Engineers will soon begin stabilization work to the structure. Fall 2009: Plans are being completed for stabilization of the building. Fall 2008: In June 2008, park staff began emergency repairs to the base of the Lighthouse. The fill material around the lighthouse was removed, exposing the wooden base. A close inspection of the timbers revealed that there was some shipworm damage to the upper sections of the timbers but that the timbers, themselves, were structurally sound. The timbers were then covered with the polyvinyl, then a layer of bagged dry mix cement and topped off by a layer of rock. This action should create an anaerobic environment that will kill off the current shipworm infestation and buy some time. A group of local residents and lighthouse enthusiasts came together to form the “Friends of Cockspur Island Lighthouse.” Its mission is “to raise funds and other resources for the preservation, restoration and perpetual maintenance and repair, as necessary, of the historic Cockspur Island Lighthouse.” The friends group is a Georgia non-profit organization. Cowen Farmstead, Cobb County (2006) Fall 2010: In March 2009 Cowen Management, LLC purchased the Cowen House from The Georgia Trust’s Revolving Fund with the purpose of using the property to accommodate its business, Integrated Sciences and Technology, Inc. (IST). In March 2010 rehabilitation work was completed, and IST held its grand opening. Fall 2009: The Georgia Trust sold the Cowen House to Cowen Management, LLC. As part of the Trust’s Revolving Fund program, the owners agreed to rehabilitate the property and donate an easement to the Trust. Fall 2008: Currently listed for sale as part of The Georgia Trust’s Revolving Fund program. Craigie House (DAR Building), Atlanta, Fulton County (2011) Crum & Forster Building, Fulton County (2009) Fall 2010: No progress to report. Fall 2009: Recently designated as a local landmark structure, a type of historic zoning with strong demolition protection. Dodge County Jail, Eastman (2010) Fall 2010: A nomination for the building to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places is currently being reviewed. A community event took place in March 2010 to increase public awareness of the site's endangered status and of the need for additional county office space. The County has been working on repairs to the exterior. Dorchester Academy, Midway (2010) Fall 2010: Dorchester Academy’s leaking roof was replaced with a much needed new one; decking and rafters were repaired. The Georgia Trust has been working with the Board to complete applications for several grants to stabilize the building. Recently Dorchester Academy was awarded a grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Preservation Fund for historic schools. Eleanor Roosevelt School, Meriwether County (2007) Fall 2010: The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, making it eligible for financial incentives. Fall 2008: Group is trying to collect funds to purchase from owner and have some funds committed and are planning on sending a letter of intent to owner. They hope to have the home purchased in the next couple of months and then start work on restoring the building and turning it into a museum. Fairview Colored School, Cave Spring, Floyd County (2011) Fall 2010: The friends group now holds a tax exempt nonprofit status as the Fort Daniel Foundation, created with the express purpose of raising funds to support the protection of the archaeological site. Fall 2009: Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society and the Friends of Fort Daniel produced a master plan for a proposed archaeological park at the site of Fort Daniel. Fort Daniel, Buford County (2009) Fall 2010: The friends group now holds a tax exempt nonprofit status as the Fort Daniel Foundation, created with the express purpose of raising funds to support the protection of the archaeological site. Fall 2009: Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society and the Friends of Fort Daniel produced a master plan for a proposed archaeological park at the site of Fort Daniel. Gilmer County Courthouse, Gilmer County (2007) Hand Trading Company Building, Mitchell County (2007) Fall 2010: The exterior of the building has been stabilized. Fall 2009: Repairs have been made to the roof and exterior of the building. Fall 2008: The city of Pelham and a joint development are accepting bids - roof is starting to be fixed, other bids are going out in the future for pressure washing and fixing windows. Harrington School, St. Simons Island, Glynn County (2011) Hartwell Downtown National Register District, Hart County (2006) Fall 2010: No progress to report. Fall 2009: The city is creating a citywide sign ordinance in conjunction to an existing sign ordinance for its historic district. Fall 2008: Currently working on sign ordinance, want to initiate citywide the sign usage that is currently used in the historic district. Herndon Plaza, Atlanta (2010) Fall 2010: The HDDC is in the process of hiring an architect and contractor for the project and is applying for federal historic preservation tax credits. These efforts have been stalled by the weak economy. John Berrien House, Chatham County (2009) Fall 2010: Economic pressure has delayed investment in the project, although the owner has continually worked to stabilized the building. Fall 2009: The owner, Queensborough National Bank, is interested and willing to work toward the property’s preservation, but the economic downturn has delayed its ability to invest in the project. John Ross House, Rossville, Walker County (2011) Leake Archaeological Site (2010) Fall 2010: A “friends group” has been formed to encourage awareness and protection for the historic site. Martin House, Columbus, Muscogee County (2011) Mary Ray Memorial School, Coweta County (2009) Fall 2010: The majority of the stabilization work on the building is now complete. Fall 2009: Stabilization work on the historic school is nearly complete. Medical Arts Building, Atlanta, Fulton County (2011) Meriwether County Jail, Greenville (2008) Fall 2009: The building has been purchased and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing. Fall 2008: They had been planning to apply for a Georgia Heritage Grant but the county decided to work on demolishing the old city gym before they turning their attention to the county jail; currently being used as a parking space by the Methodist church; status largely unchanged. Metcalf Township, Thomas County (2009) Fall 2010: The creation of the Metcalfe Community Association board has been instrumental in working to bring a resource team to evaluate the economic potential of the site. Fall 2009: A community group is currently working with Thomasville Landmarks to bring a resource team to evaluate the economic potential for the rehabilitation of the south Georgia township. Morris Brown College, Atlanta (2010) Fall 2010: The Georgia Trust has met several times with college officials and coordinated a volunteer workday that focused on Fountain Hall. Volunteers mothballed the building and removed window A/C units, overgrown vegetation and debris. Native American Structures, North Georgia (2007) Fall 2010: No change in status. Fall 2009: No change in status. Old Clinton Historic District, Jones (2008) Fall 2010: No change in status. Fall 2009: Funding is still being sought to protect the historic district. Fall 2008: Clinton tanyard project is still going forward, the roof on red barn is completed. This is due to volunteer efforts of Corps Reenactment Committee and Clinton family descendants and the Old Clinton Historical Society members. A lot of work still has to be done on walls and foundation stabilization. It’s one of the few remaining barns of its era and has always been a hub of activity in Clinton. Old Hawkinsville High School, Pulaski County (2006) Fall 2010: Phased rehabilitations have transformed the oldest wings into office space for the board of education and an auditorium. Rehabilitation is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Winter 2010: Phase I of rehabiliation was completed. Fall 2009: The building is still awaiting an adaptive reuse project as the economic climate has halted some plans. Fall 2008: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2008. An architect is working on a plan for the building. The project is moving forward for adaptive use. Old Highway 17, Glynn County (2006) Fall 2010: Though recently, citizens are becoming vocal about the “Gateway,” design guidelines are needed to ensure cohesive development. Fall 2009: With the update of the Highway 17 corridor Historic Resource Study completed, communities are evaluating planning and funding sources to redevelop areas along the corridor. Fall 2008: Glynn County is currently updating the Highway 17 corridor Historic Resources Study that was initally done in the early 1990s. Paradise Gardens, Summerville (2010) Fall 2010: Two workdays have taken place at Paradise Gardens; volunteers cleaned the art site of excess silt and overgrown vegetation. Ponce de Leon Apartments, Fulton County (2006) Fall 2010: The Ponce Condominium Association has successfully completed a significant exterior stabilization project over the last three years funded through assessments to the resident owners. In addition, the community has purchased one of the rooftop units to be used in conjunction with rooftop events. The condominium association has developed a long term maintenance plan which will help preserve and stabilize the building façade and balconies. Fall 2009: No progress to report. Rex Village, Clayton County (2011) Ritz Theatre, Thomaston (2010) Fall 2010: Working with the Fox Theatre Institute, The Georgia Trust sought construction bids for restoration work. Now that the bids are in hand, the two organizations will make recommendations for the best approach and assist the owner in finding funding to begin work. Rock House, McDuffie County (2009) Fall 2010: The building is now unattended and susceptible to vandalism. Fall 2009: The building has a security guard on site 24 hours a day. Future plans include making the Rock House a destination for field trips and a visitor center with exhibits. Sallie Davis House, Baldwin County (2009) Fall 2010: Georgia College has completed the structural stabilization phase of restoration of the Sallie Ellis Davis House. Garbutt/Christman, LLC and Lord, Aeck & Sargent Architecture have been instrumental in the efforts along with many donors - including subcontractors, alumni, and foundations. The project is now in phase two of construction. Fall 2009: Georgia College and State University is currently working to complete in-house stabilization efforts. Historic Buildings of Sparta, Hancock County (2011) Spencer House, Muscogee County (2008) Fall 2010: The house museum is operating, and the building is undergoing minor repairs. Fall 2009: A maintenance plan is being developed. Fall 2008: The Owlettes operate a house museum to continue funds to stabilize the structure and do minor repairs. Grants and support have come from the Historic Columbus Foundation, including paint and materials to repaint the house. Met with the Knight Foundation to discuss the possibility of a business plan. Columbus is a Knight Foundation community. St. EOM’s Pasaquan, Marion County (2006) Fall 2010: The visionary art site has been stabilized but is still subject to vandalism. The site has a strong need for conservation. Fall 2009: Much preservation work has occurred at the site, with a flurry of visitors making visits to the folk artscape. Fall 2008: Just celebrated EOM’s 100th birthday with a party on July 4 attended by 200 people that included a snake calling contest (in honor of EOM’s proclaimed skill), cake making contest, costume contest and parade. Sunbury Historic Colonial Town Site (2008) Fall 2010: Development pressure has lessened in the Sunbury area. Fall 2009: No progress to report. Terrell County Courthouse, Terrell (2006) Fall 2010: Repairs have been completed. Fall 2009: Repairs on the façade and interior have been completed. Fall 2008: The clock has been repaired and remanufactured. The clockface is out being restored; the exterior (including windows) is virtually complete; interior courthouse will be complete in another 2 months. Everyone has come in within budget and virtually all work has been done by correctional facility personnel (almost only costs have been materials). New sprinklers and A/C were put in. Trinity CME Church, Richmond County (2008) Fall 2010: The building is being used and continues to be repaired. Fall 2009: No progress to report. Fall 2008: Continuing to raise funds for complete redevelopment, hoping to break ground before the end of year; received a few grants. The windows are currently being repaired, and then other exterior work will be done including painting. A next project is to repair plumbing. Tybee Island Raised Cottages, Chatham County (2007) Fall 2010: The city of Tybee enacted a historic design review committee to evaluate development throughout Tybee’s historic districts. Fall 2009: Historic preservation guidelines are being developed. UGA Marine Institute Greenhouse & Administration Building, McIntosh County (2008) Fall 2010: The Greenhouse is well on its way to being restored as the Administration Building still remains vacant but stable. Fall 2009: The Greenhouse now has power. No major progress to report on the Administration Building since 2008’s Project Sapelo. Fall 2008: A task force was formed in April ’08, consisting of representatives from The Georgia Trust, University System of Georgia, the UGA Marine Institute, DNR, HPD, contractors and other interested parties. Project Sapelo was coordinated as a fall workday on the island to stabilize and secure the Administration Building. Virginia Highland Neighborhood, Fulton County (2007) Fall 2010: Development pressures have lessened after a fallout in the real estate market. Fall 2009: Historic review guidelines have been drafted. Fall 2008: At a recent Neighborhood Planning Unit meeting, there was a 176-15-4 vote in favor of zoing for the neighborhood's three commercial nodes, which would limit new commercial development to three stories, enforce approved materials, and give a "storefront character" while allowing more shared parking. Wren’s Nest, Fulton County (2007) Fall 2010: Extensive restoration work has been completed. Capital improvements have been made to the house’s interior and roof. Programming has increased. Fall 2009: Raised and completed approximately $190,000 worth of restoration work. The exterior has been repainted, carpentry repairs have been made, and deteriorating mortar joints have been repointed. Fall 2008: Paid off $68,000 of debt; raised over $140,000 for capital improvements to home, started working on interior and roof, and increased programming. Zion Church, Talbotton, Talbot County (2011) | ||
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