Norcross Woman’s Club Old Library
Update
Aug 8, 2024:
The Norcross Woman’s Club has donated its historic old library and club building to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The Georgia Trust is now working with a preservation-minded buyer to develop plans that will preserve the landmark through a sensitive conversion to a single-family residence, as prescribed by the City of Norcross’ zoning ordinance.
Aug 21, 2024: City of Norcross Announces Plans to Condemn Woman’s Club Old Library Building
Here’s how you can make a difference: Tell City Council to vote NO to the condemnation resolution that we expect to be introduced at the City Council meeting on September 3. Regardless, if they decide to condemn the building, demand that they take immediate steps to designate it as a local landmark, ensuring a level of protection.
Here is some suggested language you can share with your City Council:
Dear Councilmembers:
I am a resident of the City of Norcross. I am very concerned to hear that the City of Norcross intends to condemn the Norcross Woman’s Club Old Library Building. I oppose this course of action since The Georgia Trust has identified a preservation plan that will ensure the long-term success and protection of the building. If you choose not to oppose the condemnation, I insist that the City takes the steps to designate the building as historic under Sec. 201-32 (c)(4)a. of the Norcross Code of Ordinances. This will provide a level of protection against incompatible alterations, allowing for the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of this building.
City Council Contact Information
Bruce Gaynor, Mayor Pro Tem: bruce.gaynor@norcrossga.net
Josh Bare, Councilmember: josh.bare@norcrossga.net
Marshall Cheek, Councilmember: marshall.cheek@norcrossga.net
Andrew Hixson, Councilmember: ahixson@norcrossga.net
Matt Myers, Councilmember: matt.myers@norcrossga.net
2016 Places in Peril Listing Info
The Story
The Norcross Woman’s Club was founded in 1905 by civic-minded women involved with the National Library Movement. The women approached various businessmen and philanthropists, including Andrew Carnegie, for donations to support the construction of a library building and by 1921, they had raised enough funds to construct the first library in Gwinnett County. After growing to 24,000 books in circulation and 1,400 registered members by 1966, the library was relocated to a new building. The original library building was periodically used as a storage facility and a country store run by members of the Norcross Woman’s Club.
The Threat
(As of 2016) The Norcross Woman’s Club has retained ownership of the building, but they struggle with the building’s continual maintenance needs, as well as finding a sustainable use for the building. The building sits next to a vacant lot in a prime location for development. The city has rejected proposals for a historic preservation ordinance, leaving the library even more vulnerable to development.