SUMMER 2014
Award-winning projects
Celebrate the inspiration (and perspiration) of local preservationists PAGE 14
Hats off to HOA
achfonline.org
Hands On Athens marks 15 years of service PAGE 6
ATHENS-CLARKE HERITAGE FOUNDATION Fire Hall No. 2 489 Prince Avenue Athens, Georgia 30601 706-353-1801 e-mail: achf@bellsouth.net www.achfonline.org Executive Director: Amy C. Kissane Welcome Center Director: Evelyn Reece Hands On Athens Administrator: John A. Kissane MISSION To be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. VISION To become the leading advocate for the importance of historic preservation to the future of the Athens community. ACHF 2014-2015 BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TRUSTEES David Bryant, President Kristen Morales, President-elect Bill Kraeling, Treasurer Daniel Epting, Treasurer-elect Sara Dusenberry, Recording Secretary Marvin Nunnally, Parliamentarian Victoria Prevatt, Revolving Fund Liaison Jan Levinson, Past-president TRUSTEES Linda Davis Lauren Geddings Jim Gillis Adam Hebbard Erika Lane Kim Noland
Kjirsten Ogburn Cullen O’Steen Lori Scott Paul Trudeau Jim Warnes Carol Williams Hollis Yate
HERITAGE CREDITS Editor: Kristen Morales Design: Eleonora Machado Heritage Newsletter Logo: Chris Bilheimer Cover photo Photo courtesy Creature Comforts
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL HERITAGE SPONSORS
Corinthian Level ($5,000) Ionic Level ($2,500) Barber Creek Design ETL Construction Services Todd Emily Doric Level ($1,500) Carson Advisory, Inc. Dalton Carpet One Georgia Power Foundation Lindsay Transfer & Storage Pharma Tech Industries Southern Mutual Insurance Co.
Message from the President By David Bryant
I start my year as president of the ACHF Board of Trustees in the midst of some promising initiatives and programs begun under the leadership of past president Jan Levinson. As those efforts continue to build momentum, I look forward to working with the board and full membership to address some critical emerging issues and to take advantage of new opportunities.
density makes many good things possible: better transportation options, in-town grocery stores, walkability and other positives of urban living. It’s our challenge to see that we get those things without destroying the Athens that brought and keeps us here. A new master plan for downtown is being considered by the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and Athens-Clarke County will soon be revising its master plan and transportation plan. ACHF should make sure that the preservationist perspective is at the table when long-range decisions are made. And, of course, there is plenty to do in the short term; we need to continue our house-by-house, building-bybuilding advocacy for the protection of the best of our historic resources. We’re currently cataloguing historic properties throughout Athens-Clarke County and are actively working to save some extraordinary properties like the Southern Manufacturing property, off Chase Street, and the arts-and-craftsera masterpiece, Beech Haven.
It’s an exciting time to live in Athens. But excitement can mean both anticipation AND apprehension. Right now, Athens seems to be brimming with possibility. Key tracts of land in and around historic Athens are in play. There are many positive ways these possibilities can shake out, but when you’re not in control, snakeeyes seem as likely as sevens. The most conspicuous changes are heralded by the arrival of construction cranes that will soon bring an unprecedented level of residential density to downtown. Will this density be a good thing for the quality of life in town and in the surrounding historic neighborhoods? I think it’s our job, as a heritage foundation, to see that it is. As you may remember from the lecture and workshop we sponsored recently with Jeff Speck, author of “Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time,” H ERI T A GE
With our dedicated and dynamic executive director, Amy Kissane, a talented and diverse board of trustees, and an active and involved membership, I’m sure we can make this a very productive year for the Foundation. Thanks for playing a part. |
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fire hall from the
By Amy C. Kissane, Executive Director
Beech Haven update This has been the summer of ups and downs. On the up side, ACHF finalized its contract with Athens-Clarke County to lease the historic summer house and camel-back bridge located on the 14-acre tract of land, acquired by A-CC in January of 2013, that is part of the Beech Haven tract on the Middle Oconee River. (See our spring 2014 Heritage for more information.)
also include preparation of a National Register nomination. Beech Haven is truly a wonderland of arts and crafts-inspired buildings, structures, and landscape features, as well as a horticultural and botanical dream. It is an essential part of our cultural heritage, and there are numerous organizations and individuals (see the Outstanding Achievement Award in Preservation Awards write-up) who are ready to begin planning for its future, but, without these preservation and documentation efforts, we run the risk of losing it all, and that is no exaggeration.
The county’s primary purpose in acquiring the property was to secure additional land along the Middle Oconee for future use as part of the Oconee Rivers greenway system, but funding for the historic structures is not available and both the house and bridge are in urgent need of stabilization. The lease allows the foundation to accept charitable donations for and undertake the work needed to stabilize and preserve these significant structures. ACHF will be contracting ETL Construction to do the work, which is estimated to cost $45,000-$55,000. In addition, the foundation received an $8,900 grant from the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board to fund a research and documentation effort that will be completed by UGA’s Cultural Resource Laboratory; the project will PA G E
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If you are interested in learning more about Beech Haven and/or would like to make a donation, please contact us at the Fire Hall, 706-353-1801; email us at achf@bellsouth.net; or go to athensclarkeheritagefoundation. bigcartel.com/ to make a donation.
Southern Manufacturing Update So, on the downside was the partial collapse of what is referred to as Mill Building #4 (the first building on the left when you enter the complex from |
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Bryan/Oneta Street) in the historic Southern Manufacturing complex off North Chase Street. Almost two years ago, ACHF learned of a potential buyer for the site, a group that was working on plans that echoed many of the goals identified during ACHF’s 2012 symposium: “Southern Mills: Economically Smart|Socially Responsible.” Financing for the project has taken longer than anticipated, and the potential buyers have yet to close; thus, work on the project has been delayed. (ACHF holds a façade easement on the historic mill complex.) of the building. North Ridge started the demolition process on Aug. 11, after obtaining a permit from A-CC. The plan was to install bracing to the north and a portion of the west wall prior to excavation work. Due to extreme instability, the northwest corner was to be removed and the west wall, the collapsed wall, was to be the approach and staging area for debris removal. All major timbers and brick are being reclaimed and stored for use at a later time.
On July 13 the west wall of Building #4 collapsed. This building had been damaged by fire years ago, and its roof and floors deteriorated; it essentially fell in on itself. After learning of the collapse, Aderhold Properties, the current owner, contacted Bill Day of North Ridge Restoration, a company that has helped Aderhold twice in the past with emergencies involving the Fulton Cotton and Bag Mill in Cabbagetown in Atlanta after (1) a fire and (2) a tornado. Working with Aderhold, county officials, representatives of ACHF, and a structural engineer, Aderhold and North Ridge determined that some demolition was necessary in order to stabilize the remaining portions
As unfortunate as this turn of events is, ACHF is confident that Aderhold and North Ridge are taking a cautious approach to the demolition and preserving as much of the original structure as possible.
Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation 2014 Heritage Walking Tours RESERVATIO NS
1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Seeing Green: Neighborhood Parks Mary Stakes and Andrew Saunders
2 p.m.
University Drive Historic Neighborhood with Lucy Rowland AVAILABL
Sunday, Oct. 12
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11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
Old Athens Cemetery National Register District and the Circle Gallery on Jackson Street: “Landscapes of the Hereafter: Three Historic Cemeteries in Athens, GA” with Janine Duncan
10 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery National Register of Historic Places with Al Hester
10 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Oconee Hill Cemetery National Register District with Charlotte Thomas Marshall
2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Dearing Street National Register District with Steven Brown and Theresa Flynn
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HANDS on ATHENS anniversary Happy 15th birthday to Hands On Athens Hundreds of houses and projects, combined with thousands of volunteers from across the area, now have a milestone to celebrate for all the effort: the 15th anniversary of Hands On Athens. HOA started in 2000 as a coalition of local nonprofits, government agencies, volunteers, businesses and skilled laborers, all dedicated to helping low-income homeowners in Athens-Clarke County’s historic neighborhoods maintain, repair and restore their properties as part of overall neighborhood revitalization. Over the years it has become a full-fledged program of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation and, since 2003, has received a Community Development Block Grant from Athens-Clarke County each year that provides about 80 percent of the budget needed for hard costs such as staff, building materials, and supplies; the rest comes from cash sponsorships. Members of Hands On Athens’ all-volunteer steering committee have, in the past, represented a cross-section of building and communityminded groups. The following chairs have led the group: Frank Burdette, 1999-2000; Neal Anderson, 2000; Allison Roy, 2001-2002; Bob Segrest, 2003; Chris Evans, 2004-2012; and Emily Boness, 2013-present. PA G E
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In its 15 years, Hands On Athens has tackled projects big and small. For a home on Billups Street, for example, the all-volunteer crew replaced a roof and rebuilt a porch for one house that had fallen into disrepair. A house on Lyndon Avenue had its asphalt siding removed and replaced with cheery orange paint on its now-exposed wooden siding.
Geneva Blasingame recorded for future generations.
Congratulations to Hands On Athens for all the hard work and success. Let’s now look forward to another great 15 years of working to improve our neighborhoods and the lives of those who call them home.
New initiatives for Hands On Athens include an oral history project, through which individuals who have been helped by the organization tell their stories and the stories of the neighborhoods in which they grew up. We now have the recollections of Bennie Tillman, Fannie Jordan and H ERI T A GE
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Athens Welcome Center Update
Athens Welcome Center gets star treatment Thanks to photographer Jason Thrasher, the Athens Welcome Center now has some great professional photos to use in our promotions. Thrasher recently had a photo shoot at the center, highlighting our tours and the grounds at the ChurchWaddel-Brumby House.
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Athens Welcome Center Update
Remembering Jeanne M. Strong On behalf of the Church-WaddelBrumby House Museum and all who are committed to preserving Athens’ history, we are thankful for charitable donations made in the memory of Jeanne Strong by her book club, “Women and Wine on Wednesday.” Gifts from her friends have been very special to us, as Jeanne was also a long-time friend and supporter of the museum in her role on the Church-Waddel-Brumby Restoration Committee. As many of you may know, she was the creative driving force behind its interior decorative plan, which stands as a testimony to her talent and dedication.
Gifts in Jeanne’s memory represent an opportunity to further her goal to acquire appropriate furnishings to interpret the Federal Period in Athens. The Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum stands as a relatively unique example in the South, where houses from the later historic periods abound. Jeanne will be dearly missed by all and it is comforting to know that her work will carry on through the generosity of friends whom she touched.
We are sincerely grateful and look forward to keeping you abreast of our progress. We are also grateful for the common friendship we had with Jeanne and, as we have worked to restore the house in the past, we will continue forward in her memory. For more information about the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, its continuing restoration, and Jeanne Strong’s legacy, contact Evelyn Reece at athenswc@negia.net or 706353-1820. Laura B. Straehla, chair Evelyn Green Reece, curator Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum
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ATHENS SHOWS OFF
National Trust for Historic Preservation members tour Classic City By Kristen Morales
Lee Epting shows guests the building where General Sherman is believed to have, um, made a pit stop. Kemper Photos
A select group of donors to the National Trust for Historic Preservation got a grand tour of Atlanta’s historic structures earlier this year, and Athens was on the top of most participants’ list of must-see excursions. The annual event takes a select group of NTHP members to tour a city or area once a year, and this year Atlanta was the highlighted destination. Along with an itinerary that included tours of private homes in Buckhead, a behind-thescenes look at the Fox Theatre and dinner at the Piedmont Driving club, the group took a daytrip to Athens before heading home. ACHF trustees and members joined the visitors for the day and served as local hosts and informal tour guides. Their first stop was The Hill where they were greeted by Lee Epting with a gracious lunch and stories told around tables spread throughout Lee’s remarkable home. After making sure everyone got a chance to see where General Sherman once sat, the group boarded the bus for a tour of downtown Athens led by Bertis Downs and then stopped for drinks at several Cobbham houses where they were joined by a group of some of Athens better known intellectuals. The tour ended with a reception at the home of University of Georgia president Jere Moorehead. The guests were delighted by Athens’ charm and the great stories they heard along the way. It was a unique opportunity to share Athens with influential preservationists from across the country. PA G E
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PLANS IN WORKS
for Ware-Lyndon House garden By Amy C. Kissane
Preliminary Schematic Plan, Ware-Lyndon House Garden, July 31, 2014
The user group for the Ware-Lyndon House Garden SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) project started meeting just about one year ago. Members are Barbara Andrews, ACC arts and nature administrator; Roger Cauthen, ACC landscape management division administrator; Ron Evans, ACHF’s Ware-Lyndon House committee chair; Amy Kissane, ACHF director; and Mike Wharton, ACC Leisure Services operations administrator. Working with the User Group is SPLOST Project Administrator Keith Sanders. The process for taking a project from the description approved by the Mayor and Commission and included on a public referendum to a final product is a multi-step process. The first step was to flesh out the project description and develop a project concept with specific goals and design elements. These goals and elements are broken down into three categories: “Must Have,” “Highly Wanted,” and “Nice to Have.” It might sound kind of silly, but the point is to give the MayH ER I T A GE
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or and Commission enough information for preliminary approval, and to give them a sense of priorities, while at the same time preserving flexibility for the User Group once they move into the real design process. Below was the project concept approved by the Mayor and Commission last December. Must Have • Construction of a historically accurate formal garden featuring decorative flowers, groundcovers, trees, and shrubs, and includes grading and drainage, stabilized gravel paving. • Electrical service for appropriate lighting for the gardens. • Garden irrigation. • Cistern system for demonstration purposes and garden irrigation. • Brick walkways, steps and borders to connect with existing brick steps from street to existing brick walkways at the building front entrance.
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Member Spotlight Chuck and Susie Garrett embrace their unique Fred Orr-designed home It’s just “one of those things,” says Chuck and Susie Garrett. The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation members say they have always admired the unique wood home on Milledge Circle, just a few doors down from the fire station. Its wide concrete front porch leads up to a home with a boxy design, surrounded by windows on the second floor. If it had a bell and a cupola, it could almost double as an old schoolhouse. Known as the “sleeping porch” house, it was built around 1914 using plans from renowned architect Fred Orr, who designed many other houses on the street. But it’s the design of the second floor, with the wrap-around, crank-open windows, that sets this home apart. Local preservation expert John Waters says the large, upper porch was created because the first owner suffered from emphysema. The home has also served as a fraternity house earlier in its life. In 2007 it was purchased by Olivia Sargeant, who co-owned the restaurant Farm 255, and she contracted with local carpenter and builder Dustin Hill to do some renovations, including removing asbestos siding. One thing the Garretts appreciate about the house, though, is the details that have remained intact, even after all these years. Wood floors still have inlay details around fireplaces, and square details reinforce the craftsman-era design aesthetic. And yes, those are chains supporting the roof over the front stoop. PA G E
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When Sergeant moved out of Athens and put the house on the market, the Garretts say, she heard a realtor talking about the desirable location on Milledge Circle — but for the land, not the house. She was concerned, they said, that a new owner would tear down the house to replace it with something new. That’s when she remembered the Garretts, who had asked about her house several years before, when she first listed it. Aware of their love for it, she approached them with an offer. And after years of feeling like they were circling their dream retirement house, they finally were able to make the move.
Be a part of
Athens by being a part of ACHF.
Granted, they’re not quite able to enjoy their new “sleeping porch” yet — first they have to sell their house in the country — but the couple is tickled to be able to make historically appropriate improvements to their new treasure. They’ve already replaced the roof, and now are looking at exterior colors that are not only historically accurate but also enhance the home’s details.
Since 1967, the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation has been the leading advocate for not only preserving the history in Athens, but also looking towards its future. There is value in keeping historic structures — not only as a historical resource, but also as a living, breathing landmark that gives back to the community with everyone who walks, bikes or drives by.
“This is not replaceable — the house is 100 years old, so the wood is even older,” says Chuck. “We’re working on getting in, getting it cleaned up, modernizing it — but we want it to look right on the house. And we want to do it right.” H ER I T A GE
How can I join?
Turn to Page 23 (the inside back page) for a membership form, or visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org. |
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THE BEST OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION 2014 edition
The Heritage Foundation’s annual awards highlight the best preservation projects of the year, as well as the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations that are making a difference. The event took place June 2 at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens. Part of ACHF’s mission is to increase awareness of the value of historic resources to the Athens community. The annual awards play an important role in fulfilling that mission by highlighting the projects, and more importantly the people behind them, that keep the town’s historic fabric vibrant. From awards for stewardship, PA G E
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to detailed rehabilitations of significant historic resources, to publications and programs that enhance our knowledge of local history, the event presents the breadth of preservation achievements taking place this year in Athens-Clarke County. Before the ceremony kicked off, award winners and their guests were welcomed with a pre-reception at the Morton, catered by Epting Events. After the ceremony, everyone was welcome across the street to Ted’s Most Best, a past ACHF award winner, for food, drinks and merriment. This year’s Preservation Awards wouldn’t be possible
without the hard work of our Awards Committee, the support of our board members, and the generous donations from our sponsors. Sponsors at the Gold Level were Aurum Studios, Ted’s Most Best, and The University of Georgia. Sponsors at the Silver Level were Barron’s Rental Center, Epting Events, Oneta Woodworks, Peterson Properties, and Terrapin Beer Company. Thank you all for your contributions that helped make this evening and our receptions possible! The following pages feature our winners in all categories. The next time you’re driving through Athens, take a look and note the winners all around us.
ACHF’s 2014 Preservation Awards winners: PUBLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
Through The Arch an illustrated guide to the university of georgia campus Larry B. Dendy foreword by f. n. boney
“Through the Arch” By Larry Dendy; designed by Erin New Larry, who worked for the UGA office of Public Affairs for 37 years before retiring, was approached by the University of Georgia Press upon his retirement and asked to write a book about the history of the campus through its buildings. The book, he says, is the result of his collective knowledge over time — plus some new nuggets about the campus he never realized in all his time there. But the book is much more than a listing if physical structures and when they were built; it includes personal stories of the people whose names are on the buildings and the students, faculty and staff who have found inspiration inside them. It not only explains the physical space, but includes a bit about why the buildings were used, too.
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Jim Carter
Hendrick Ave.
PUBLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
“Ware-Lyndon House Album” This year we have a second award in the Publications and Programs category, honoring the “Ware-Lyndon House Album.” This was a collaborative venture with many people who are responsible for its publication and should be recognized for their contributions, including Robert Nix, Ron Evans, Jim Carter, Laura Carter, Claire Benson and Elaine Kalber, just to name a few. This album is a celebration of the Ware - Lyndon home, it’s heritage, quality of preservation, functionality, inspiration to the community, and all the hardworking folks who love it and have contributed to its success over the years.
ALBERT DOBBS SAMS MEMORIAL AWARD
Jim Carter Jim Carter has a long-standing reputation as a patron of Athens’ historic house museums, as well as someone who promotes an understanding of the decorative arts. Jim was instrumental in developing the WareLyndon House as one of the premiere house
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museums in the region and in Georgia. He has contributed untold volunteer hours in creating the decorative arts plan of the Lyndon House. In addition to his expertise, he has donated beautiful, priceless furnishings to the Lyndon House, particularly its dining room. He is also a patron of the Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum and was a consulting party in the early days of the TRR Cobb House’s return.
OUTSTANDING NEW CONSTRUCTION
Hendrick Avenue homes 175, 165 and 152 Hendrick Ave. This year we had a unique twist on this award, recognizing an overall development of new, contemporary homes in a historic neighborhood. The awards committee couldn’t decide which of the new homes on Hendrick Avenue was the most worthy of an award, so we awarded them all! The owners of 152 Hendrick, 175 Hendrick and 165 Hendrick — Tim Adams and Kim Toscano, David and Tracey Stroud and Trevor and Krista Jones — all helped spur the construction of these contemporary homes with the help of developer Jared York, who spurred the development, and designer Lori Bork Newcomer, who created the designs for the houses. Located off Pulaski Street, Hendrick Avenue is small and dead-ends at the railroad tracks. The past decade has seen a few new houses built in the area, but last year the addition of three new, contemporarydesign homes added a new dimension to the architecture of the street.
The Old Pal
Dondero’s
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
405 W. Cloverhurst Ave. Eric and Carrie Sewell Eric and Carrie Sewell acquired the home in 2010 after it had been on the market for several years, and the Sewells found a challenge ahead of them. Making every attempt to honor the original structure, the final plan featured a double-gabled addition that used like materials and details. After conquering the structural issues, the Sewells and Blue Print Builders went through painstaking efforts to preserve many elements of the original house. The inside of the turret was opened up to allow light to come through a window in the turret’s roof. Original wood windows were restored, along with an abundance of interior woodwork. Construction of the rear addition was detailoriented as well. Overall, the house maintains its historic character and features all the modern amenities and spaces for the Sewell family to enjoy. H ER I T A GE
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Creature Comforts
W. Hancock Ave.
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ACHF’s 2014 Preservation Awards winners:
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
609 Cobb St. Lewis Earnest Lewis Earnest began his restoration at 609 Cobb Street almost immediately upon purchasing the home in 2009. He started with small projects that became larger ones and quickly learned that he was going to need help as things progressed. With the help of Melissa Tufts of the University of Georgia’s Landscape Architecture department, Lewis had a master plan of the property that would include a new wrap-around front porch, detached garage, garden plantings, and updated swimming pool design. The interior of the home was completely transformed as well, with the help of Casey Jo Hanson of Dalton Carpet One. Lewis was sensitive to each detail as he used recycled items like reclaimed wood throughout the home, or had things fabricated to match existing features. There were a few wonderful surprises during construction. Several original windows that had long been covered up were brought back to life and currently serve as functioning points of interest to the structure.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
Chatt’s Island Irv and Becky Alhadeff This colonial revival home on Plum Nelly Drive in Five Points was constructed in 193940 for the Michaels family, the same family that owned the Michaels Bros. Building downtown. The house was designed by Edwin Jerome Wade from Atlanta, with consultation by famous Atlanta architect Neel Reid. The landscape was designed by Hubert Owens, the first dean of the College of Environment and Design at UGA. Irv and Becky purchased Chatt’s Island in 2013. No strangers to thorough and careful renovations of other historic properties in town, the Alhadeffs embarked on an extensive rehabilitation, along with Michael Songster of Songster Construction, David Metheny as site architect, and David Hale from the University Landscape Division. Details like the cabinetry in the butler’s pantry, original blueprints of the house, cornice-boards in the master bedroom windows, a love seat, and the buttons and wiring for the servants’ call system were still in place and carefully refurbished by the Alhadeffs.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
The Old Pal Daniel Ray and Matt McFerron The only plans Daniel Ray and Matt McFerron had simply involved opening a bar in Normaltown. There was no interior designer, no special architectural drawings. Just the help of builder Greg Evans of DraytonWorks and the desire to remove the awnings from the front of what used to be the gift shop Jewels. Underneath they found the original transom windows, and under the carpet was the original wood floors. The thin paneling that covered the walls was removed, revealing plastered walls tinted green and yellow, marking where shelves once lined the walls of the drugstore, which was the original use of the space even as far back as the early 1900s. The overall result is a space that was created by letting the original bones of the building speak.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
Dondero’s Timothy and Anna Dondero, Andrew Pearson The idea, says chef Andrew Pearson, was to expand their dining room options and prep space for catering, all while bringing the home, located at the corner of Milledge Avenue and Cobb Street, back to its original state. The first step was to remove the white aluminum siding to reveal the original wood underneath. Inside was a different story. As a doctor’s office, the original floorplan had been chopped into smaller areas of waiting rooms and exam rooms. The original ceilings were uncovered and the original plaster walls held their own gems — historic wallpaper with ocean and woodland scenes.
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ACHF’s 2014 Preservation Awards winners:
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
Creature Comforts David Stein and Adam Beauchamp Known to nearly everyone in Athens as the Snow Tire building, this space was built in the 1950s and served as a business for tire repair and replacement. There have been three separate owners of Snow Tire, the car-repair business; the building, however, has always been owned by the Sams Realty Company. At some point in its history, the business installed a dropped ceiling and waiting area near the front and beside the repair bays. When Creature Comforts began converting the space, they discovered the beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling under this dropped ceiling and attic space. They re-used the timbers that were the attic floor in other parts of the brewery, including bars and interior walls. In the process, Creature Comforts wanted to stay true to the footprint of the building while exposing some of its architectural elements that you can only find in these types of older buildings.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
565 West Hancock Ave. Faisal Anwar When Faisal Anwar of City Block Holdings 1, LLC, acquired the house at 565 West Hancock, the prospects for saving the structure seemed grim. Years of deferred maintenance and neglect had resulted in significant structural damage. As this simple, 100-year old house with no distinct style is in the Reese Street Historic District, Faisal and his team had to obtain approval from the Athens Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior changes. Realizing the house’s potential, the new property owner decided to work with the existing structure and include a large, rear addition to create more living space. After constructing a reinforced foundation and rebuilding the front porch, Anwar and his contractor were able to restore most of the original wood windows and the original front door and also preserved many character-defining aspects of the house. The end result is a shining example of both the benefits of local historic district designation and the patience and determination to do the right thing for a building that is one small part of A-CC Historic Preservation Commission’ history.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
285 Barber St. Chris Peterson No stranger to historic rehab projects, this is one of two major projects Chris took on in the past year. Built in the late 1800s, all new electrical wiring, plumbing, heating and air was required to bring this home back to life. Formerly a duplex, this home suffered from years of damage and neglect. When Chris purchased the home it was dilapidated and the roof had collapsed. In total, ¾ of the house suffered from structural damage, all of which was repaired. But fireplace surrounds and wood floors were able to be salvaged. The floors in this home were originally oak on heartpine and much of it was able to remain. In those areas where new flooring was needed, oak was still used and blended in to match.
OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION
165 S. Milledge Ave. Chris Peterson Originally built in the late 1800s, 165 South Milledge has had many different uses through the years. It started as a home, but also has housed a law firm as well as a radio station. It was during its operation as a radio station when it suffered a massive fire, which caused severe damage to the building. Due to the extent of the damage, the former owner of this property applied for a demolition permit from the city of Athens. Thankfully, the permit was denied, allowing Chris and his company to come into the picture. After purchasing the property, Chris got to work – cleaning the damage from the fire and stripping everything down to the studs. To bring this house back from its firedamaged state was a tremendous project and Chris and his crew did a fantastic job. H ER I T A GE
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ACHF’s 2014 Preservation Awards winners:
OUTSTANDING RESTORATION
Thomas Church Courtyard Scott Simpson, University of Georgia Architects and the University of Georgia Continuing Education Center Constructed in 1957, the Georgia Center is one of the few mid-century modern buildings on campus, and its landscaping was similarly designed by famous landscape architect, Thomas Church. The grounds of the Georgia Center may very well be his only public installation in the South, thus making this courtyard eligible for listing on the Historic American Landscape Survey as a threatened landscape in Georgia in 2007. The work performed on the courtyard included restoring the original bed line layout and planting plan, which is centered around a 100 year-old pecan tree that was also part of Church’s plans. Photos such as the one on the opposite page were used to recreate the original plan of the garden.
Milledge Ave.
STEWARDSHIP
Barber St. J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant Athens-Clarke County Unified Government New water treatment methods and increased demand necessitated the construction of the J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant in 1935. The Beacham plant went into operation in October of 1936. Major improvements and additions were made in 1960, 1969 and 1978. Additions, some designed by Beacham (the city engineer and building’s namesake), preserved the style of the original design. The addition of a two story wing to the right side of the original building in 2005 was seen an opportunity to restore the building’s original orientation toward the river. The addition was designed by the Sizemore Floyd firm in Atlanta. The life of the plant has been significantly extended by Athens-Clarke residents’ embrace of water conservation; estimates project that the Beacham plant will meet our community’s water needs through 2030.
STEWARDSHIP
Erwin-Downs House Blanton Properties Known as the Erwin-Downs House at 524 Hill Street, it is made up of two structures — a saddlebag style structure, dating to 1856, and a two-story Queen Anne house, constructed in 1882. The home was a residence until 1997 when the Athens Pulmonary & Allergy, PC acquired it. In 1997 it was turned over to a law firm, and Brenda purchased the property in 2002. Since then, she has opened the interior space back to its original state. She also paid special attention to restoring the original shutters of the property. There was extensive wood rot on the exterior of the building, which was all salvaged or replaced to its original state. Today, this home has all the modern necessities and has kept a clear vision of what it was and what it will be for many years to come.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
5&10 Hugh Acheson It’s always easier to come into a space, historic or not, and simply wipe it clean for a fresh start. Luckily for all of us, Hugh Acheson didn’t even consider that option PA G E
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Thomas Church Courtyard
Beech Haven
Water Treatment Plant
when moving his iconic restaurant, 5&10, to its new location on Milledge Avenue. The building, previously home to Hawthorne House Antiques, was given an ACHF award for the work the previous owner did to restore the house. Hugh and his team recognized the beauty of it when they took over the property, and took pains to keep that design and décor in mind when moving into the space. Thanks to the owners’ sensitivity to the home’s history and good bones, it’s now preserved for a new generation to enjoy.
Erwin Downs House
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Beech Haven Several months ago, members of the Rowland family got together with commissioner Jerry NeSmith to discuss the future of the family’s property off Atlanta Highway. That partnership turned into a unified front that included the Greenways Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, as part of an effort to evaluate the resources on the property and come up with a plan to protect, preserve and celebrate the property for the future. While the plan is still in its infancy, it’s the partnerships created and the plan that’s being put into place that qualify for our Outstanding Achievement award. (See more about plans for this property on Page 4-5.) H ER I T A GE
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PLANS IN WORKS Highly Wanted • Central focal point such as a water feature, statue or urn. • Period or Historically accurate protective fencing around garden perimeter. • Interpretive educational signage. • Period or historically accurate garden furnishings such as cast iron benches and urns Nice to Have • Re-sodding of lawn and complementary landscaping in front of the historic house along Hoyt Street. • Decorative handrails on new and existing steps • Complementary landscaping on sides and back lawn of historic house and art center. • Renovation of existing brick steps from Hoyt Street sidewalk to garden. • Directional signage for areas around the garden and historic house.
IN MEMORIAM
The next step in the process was to hire a design consultant. The user group reviewed proposals and agreed to hire Root Design Studio, LLC, represented by Michael Kidd, Madie Fischetti, and Mack Cain. The group began meeting with Root Design the end of May. Over the course of the last three months, the user group and consultants have worked through a
number of design scenarios and, as of Aug. 13, finalized the schematic plan for the landscape. One exciting outcome of this process is that the current plan not only includes an improved landscape design for the front lawn of the Ware-Lyndon House, it also includes a formal parterre garden on the west side of the house and improvements to the rest of the site surrounding the house, which, taken together, provide a more cohesive feel for the house and its grounds. The user group looked at historical maps and sketches as well as examples of other 19th century gardens in Athens and piedmont Georgia in developing the plan. The most difficult aspect of the project has been balancing respect for the information we have about the history of the property, which is very little, with the goal to create a comprehensive and historically appropriate landscape that not only improves the property but also provides multiple opportunities for interpretation and education, all within the constraints of a $175,000 construction budget. This plan will be available for public viewing on the following dates: Sept. 9 (Mayor & Commission work session); Sept. 11 (Public Information Meeting); Sept. 18 (M & C agendasetting meeting), and Oct. 7 (M & C voting meeting).
In Memoriam – Thank you! The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation would like to thank the family of Jane Cassady and the following for their generous donations to ACHF in Jane’s memory: Dr. and Mrs. Winfield M. Baldwin, Jr. Sandy and Jim Boyles Helen and Mark Constantino Mr. Ted C. DeVore Dr. and Mrs. Mark F. Ellison Ms. Valerie Fennell Ms. Nina Hellerstein Nina and William Herrington
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Lyn and Drew Hill Villa S. Hizer Susan and Peter Hodgson Ms. Karen Huebner Linda and Keith Jerkins Liz and Fred Jones Cardee and Jeremy Kilpatrick Pat and Hubert McAlexander
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Margaret McLanahan Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Nichols Lane and Jim Norton Page and Randy Pate Bobby Poss Margie Spalding The Junior League of Athens Fran and Emory Thomas Smith Wilson
HE RITAGE
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All members receive the Basic Membership Package including: free admission to Athenaeum Club and other membership events; discounts on tours, events, and rentals of Fire Hall No. 2; the Heritage newsletter; and much more.
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