Restoring Valdosta’s Oldest House

from Valdosta Magazine - Fall 2022

by Showcase Publications

Around Lowndes

VALDOSTA HERITAGE FOUNDATION / PROFILES P

RESTORING VALDOSTA 'ldest S ouseH

The WisenbakerWells-Roberts house is Valdosta’s oldest house. Photo by Mandy Yates.

VALDOSTA HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S HIGHEST PRIORITY

Story by VICKIE EVERITTE

ounded in 1980, the Valdosta Heritage Foundation (VHF) is a nonprofi t organization “working to sustain historic preservation e orts within our community, helping to protect and promote Valdosta’s historic resources and diverse cultural heritage.” At the top of the group’s “to-do” list is the restoration and preservation of the Wisenbaker-WellsRoberts, Valdosta’s oldest house.

Located at 206 Wells Street, in the Fairview Historic District, the house was built between 1840 and 1845. The

Fhome has a unique and distinct history that predates the city of Valdosta, which was incorporated in 1860, and is fundamental in telling the story of the community’s development. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 1999, Roberts descendants gifted the house and almost fi ve acres of property to the VHF to “preserve, restore, and manage the home and grounds.” After restoration of the house was nearly complete, a fi re gutted the property in

(standing) Frank Herrera, Ricky Holcombe, Wade Crance, Patrick Dukes, Johnny Dukes, Tom Ryan (seated) Susan Dukes, Elissa Noyes, Chuck Ramsey, Nelda Ryan, Susan Swader, Angela Crance.

“When fully restored, this historic home will provide a unique opportunity for study, research, and exploration for all age groups.”

January 2011. The VHF, true to its mission, decided to save the house and the rebuilding process began. By August 2012 the damaged portions of the exterior and the roof had been rebuilt. However, the interior remained unfi nished for several years.

Over the last few years, a resurgence of interest and activity has propelled the VHF to develop a plan to compete the restoration. In 2019, they received permission to convert the property into a bed and breakfast that will be leased by an outside entity. The plan intends to ensure the property’s fi nancial stability and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown district.

Recently, the VHF announced that Phase I of the Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts House Project has been completed. This initial phase, costing over $95,000, included replacing all the compromised framing from the 2011 fi re and the major work for a fi re suppression system, initial HVAC, mechanical, and ductwork installation, repairing the roof in several places, and more. The total cost for the entire renovation is estimated to be over $525,000. The timing of subsequent phases will depend on the VHF’s fundraising success. “When fully restored, this historic home will provide a unique opportunity for study, research, and exploration for all age groups,” said Jessica Ganas. board member.

Jordan Ganas, Ron Borders, Richard and Debbie Saeger. The Valdosta Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors including officers: Vickie Everitte, president, James Horton, vice-president, Ron Borders, treasurer, Kate Evans, interim Secretary, and Catherine Pendleton, past president. Other board members include: Donald Davis, Alex Alvarez, Curtis Mincey, Skylar Meeler/VLCCC & Tourism Authority, Jeff Brammer, Jessica Ganas, Tommy Crane, Sally Querin, Analease Walker, Mitchell Tatar, and honorary board member, Catherine Redles.

Donations to support the VHF’s efforts to restore the Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts house can be made online at ValdostaHeritageFoundation.org – or by mail to Valdosta Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 1792, Valdosta, Georgia 31603

The Wisenbaker Oak at Fairview, which is directly in front of the house, was registered with The Live Oak Society in October 2021 in recognition of being over 100 years old and to honor the family who built the original home. Photo by Mandy Yates

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