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Preservation and promise achfonline.org
Annual awards honor ‘tangible’ historic endeavors PAGE 16
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 2015-2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TRUSTEES Kristen Morales, President Adam Hebbard, President-elect Daniel Epting, Treasurer Victoria Prevatt, Treasurer-elect Mary Fenwick Parrish, Recording Secretary Marvin Nunnally, Parliamentarian Linda Davis, Revolving Fund Liaison David Bryant, Past-president TRUSTEES Kevin Bates Tracy Davenport Elizabeth Elliott Kevin Garrison Jim Gillis
Kim Klonowski Bill Kraeling Dan Lorentz Bobbie McKeller Kim Noland
Kjirsten Ogburn Paul Trudeau Jim Warnes Carol Williams Hollis Yates
HERITAGE CREDITS Editor: Jim Gillis Design: Eleonora Machado Heritage Newsletter Logo: Chris Bilheimer COVER PHOTO CREDITS: 2015 award winners for Outstanding Publication, The Tangible Past in Athens, GA.
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) Athens Video, Inc. Carson Advisory, Inc. Dalton Carpet One Georgia Power Foundation Lindsay Transfer & Storage Pharma Tech Industries Southern Mutual Insurance Company
President from the
By Kristen Morales
The town in Massachusetts where I grew up recently celebrated its 350th birthday.
downtown make any shopping trip much more interesting.
I know the first thing you’re thinking: She’s not from around here. Yes, you would be correct. But I also know the second thing you’re thinking: 350 years. Wow, that’s a long time.
But as someone still clinging to my 30s, I’m also constantly reconciling these two worlds — recognizing historic structures versus building something newer, bigger and shinier. Like that mall I craved when I was 16.
The thing is, growing up there, we never much thought about it. In fact, as a teenager I completely took that idyllic New England town for granted, and couldn’t wait until I got my license so I could drive to the shiny new mall 45 minutes away.
But the thing is, just like Forever 21 replaced my beloved Hot Topic store, the newest, shiniest building is easily just another passing fad. The historic structures — the fabric of this community — are what give Athens its true style.
Thankfully, people older and wiser than me knew the value in that little town, and its historic structures. Today it’s just as idyllic as ever, and residents are even more proud of their white clapboard town hall and stately library than they are of the new Dunkin’ Donuts (and trust me, getting the Dunkin’ Donuts was kind of a big deal).
To me, as incoming president of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, the solution is always a no-brainer: Use and embrace our historic structures. Not only is it more sustainable (hey, less stuff to be hauled away!), but you end up with a building that recognizes the history of Athens while embracing the future.
My point, though, is that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, but that you appreciate where you are.
As we emerge from the “Great Recession” of a few years ago, I’d like you to keep this perspective of economic development in mind. More money means more development, whether it’s infill housing or a new commercial structure. But by keeping Athens’ history in mind as changes roll forward, we stay true to our city’s past while also making it economically sustainable for the future.
These days, while I’m not “from” Athens, I definitely feel a kinship with it. My house sits just beyond the original city limits, and as I ride the bus down Prince Avenue, I think about what it must have been like for farmers or laborers who would travel down the road into town when it was dirt and lined with mansions. City Hall, with its quirky double-barreled cannon, and the historic storefronts of H ERI T A GE
(Even if that history only goes back about 200 years!) |
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fire hall from the
By Amy C. Kissane, Executive Director A note about ACHF financial matters Earlier this year, ACHF received a notice from the IRS informing us that our tax-exempt status had been temporarily revoked due to incomplete filing of our tax returns by our accountant. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ACHF does not pay income taxes, but we are required to file an informational return known as a Form 990; when returns are not filed in a timely manner, there is an automatic revocation. This suspension in no way affects the tax deductibility of donations and sponsorships made prior to the revocation, and, we have taken steps that preserve the deductibility of donations and sponsorships made while we await re-instatement.
but checks made out to ACHF can be mailed to us at 489 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us, and, as always, we appreciate your continued support of the foundation. [Just prior to printing, ACHF learned that the IRS agent handling our case recommended full retroactive reinstatement of IRS tax-exempt status. We hope to receive the formal notice by mid-August.] Opportunities for Involvement with ACHF Summers at the Fire Hall are all about getting the new year underway and helping committee chairs begin to set their goals. We’ve got a great slate of committee chairs this year, and I urge you to consider getting involved by becoming a member. Here’s a primer on our committees.
ACHF is working with an attorney and the IRS to retroactively reinstate our status as soon as possible, and we have filed all of the necessary returns. In addition, in order to ensure the tax deductibility of all donations and sponsorships made in the interim, we have entered into an agreement with our longtime partner, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, such that they are acting as our fiscal agent. This means that while we are awaiting our reinstatement, the Georgia Trust will be the pass-through for all ACHF grants, donations, and sponsorships. The funds come to us and remain tax deductible as charitable donations.
ACHF has 11 standing committees: 1. Athens Welcome Center (Bobbie McKeller)/Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum (Laura Straehla) 2. Communications (Jim Gillis, Paul Trudeau and Hollis Yates) 3. Development (Victoria Prevatt) 4. Education (Dan Lorentz) 5. Finance (Daniel Epting, Treasurer) 6. Future Plan (Victoria Prevatt) 7. Membership (Carol Williams) 8. Personnel (Kristen Morales, President) 9. Preservation Issues (Kelsey Cochran) 10. Special Events/Gala (Kim Noland) 11. Ware-Lyndon House (Kendell Turner)
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we resolve this issue, and, be assured, it is business as usual at the Fire Hall. We have suspended our online payment option for the time-being, PA G E
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Some of these committees have pre-set memberships. So, if you’d like to dip your toe in the ACHF volunteer pool, I recommend you consider becoming a member of one of the following committees: Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum, Development, Education, Membership, Preservation Issues or Special Events/Gala. Enjoy writing or taking photographs? Let us know and we’ll put you to work writing articles or taking pictures for the newsletter as part of our Communications Committee.
Be a part of
Athens by being a part of ACHF.
ACHF also has several ad hoc committees and programs that can use volunteers: the Athens Heritage Walks series currently chaired by Mary Stakes and the Preservation Awards committee chaired by Paul Trudeau.
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.
Interested in getting more involved with our Hands On Athens program? Emily Boness chairs the HOA Steering Committee, and we are always looking for skilled carpenters and handyman or good project managers who can help us help Athens homeowners in lowerincome neighborhoods or even help to recruit volunteers. The Athens Welcome Center uses volunteers on a daily basis to greet visitors and give them the low-down on what’s going on. AWC Director Evelyn Reece frequently has openings in her weekly volunteer schedule. Finally, Jennifer Lewis will be chairing our 50th Anniversary Committee in anticipation of that milestone in 2017.
How can I join?
Please let us know if you are interested in getting involved – just send an e-mail to amykissane@bellsouth.net or call 706-353-1801, and we’ll start working on finding the perfect fit for you! H ERI T A GE
Turn to Page 23 (the inside back page) for a membership form, or visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org. |
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BEECH HAVEN HOUSE AND BRIDGE SAVED! A little over a year ago, the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation signed a lease with Athens-Clarke County for $1 with the goal of raising funds to repair, stabilize and preserve the historic camel-back bridge and summer house. Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Riverview Foundation and the generous donations of over 60 individuals and organizations, ACHF has met its fundraising goal of $55,000, and these important historic community landmarks have been saved! With funds in-hand, contractor ETL Construction will be able to complete all the work included on the original scope by the end of the summer. First and foremost, the foundation would like to thank the members of the Committee to Preserve Beech Haven for their efforts in raising funds: David Bryant, Cari Goetcheus, Amy Kissane, Helen and Nat Kuykendall, Lucy Rowland, Ron Thomas, Sam Thomas, Madeline Van Dyck, and Marilyn Wolf-Ragatz. ACHF would especially like to thank everyone who donated to this important project: (** Made a donation in memory of Jack Rowland.) Carolyn and Randall Abney Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ike Marlene Rice ** Maria Lopez and Chris Aubry Carlette and Mike Iredale ** Debra and William Ross Diane Bell Shana and Jeff Jones William Rule, IV Boulevard Gardening Club Dorothy Kirkley ** Andrew Saunders ** R. M. Braswell ** Rebecca P. Korom Michael Schersten Cassie and David Bryant Milton Leathers ** Elizabeth Shugg ** Charles W. Carter ** Stephanie McGarvey ** Elizabeth G. Shuman Anna Pryor Cobb ** Berkeley and Dan Minor Rinne Allen and Lee Smith Linda Davis ** Charlotte Moore Nancy Stangle Phil Davis ** Molly and Mike Moran Barbara and Noel Sugue Sharyn Dickerson Jeanne and Dan Nadenicek The Watson-Brown Paul Duchsherer Kim and Tee Noland Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lili Ouzts Glenn Wilson ** Durisch ** Bill Paul ** Lori and Chuck Witz ** Julia and David Harover Piedmont Gardeners, Inc. John A. Wolfe ** Col. Audley C. Harris ** Karen and Jim Porter Marilyn Wolf-Ragatz Julia and Jim Hicks, Sr. ** Pat and Neal Priest Patricia Wright ** Jennifer and Greg Holcomb Sally and Bob Rasmussen ** The Foundation would like to express its special thanks to the select group of donors whose contributions of $1,000 or more establish them as Founders of the Friends of Beech Haven. Lucy and Buddy Allen Janet and Alex Patterson Charlotte White ** Sally and Dan Coenen Alice Rowland Elizabeth and Jim Woodruff Ann and Jack Crowley Lucy Rowland ** (Sadly, Elizabeth, who cared Ashley, Daniel and Lee Epting Marty and Ron Thomas deeply about her family propHelen and Nat Kuykendall Madeline and Phillip Van erty and was very supportive Oconee Rivers Greenway Dyck of this project, died during the Commission course of this project.) Finally, ACHF has established the Friends of Beech Haven as an association of the foundation, with the purpose of working with Athens-Clarke County to develop a plan for the future of Beech Haven. This summer ACHF will be putting together the Friends of Beech Haven planning committee. If you are interested, please contact Amy Kissane at 706-353-1801 or amykissane@bellsouth.net. PA G E
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ANNUAL MEETING RECAP AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SPRING The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation held its annual meeting on Monday, June 29, at Old Fire Hall No. 2. The main order of business was, of course, electing officers and new trustees. Five new trustees were appointed to a 3-year term: Kevin Bates, Tracy Davenport, Elizabeth Elliott, Mary Fenwick Parrish, and Kim Klonowski. The following officers were elected to a one-year term: Kristen Morales, President; Adam Hebbard, President-elect; Daniel Epting, Treasurer; Victoria Prevatt, Treasurer-elect; Mary Fenwick Parrish, Secretary; Marvin Nunnally, Parliamentarian; and Linda Davis, Revolving Fund Liaison. In addition to elections, attendees heard highlights from Executive Director Amy Kissane, and David Bryant gave out the 2014-2015 Trustees of the Year award to an unprecedented FOUR trustees. Bryant noted that ACHF had four trustees this past year whose extraordinary contributions all deserved to be recognized. They were: Jan Hebbard, Kristen Morales, Kim Noland, and Paul Trudeau. Amy Kissane recognized and thanked six trustees rotating off the board: Sara Dusenberry, Lauren Geddings, Lori Scott, Cullen O’Steen, Erika Lane and Jan Levinson Hebbard. Finally, Kristen Morales accepted the “gavel” from outgoing president David Bryant and, to much applause, presented David with tokens of appreciation for his extraordinary year of leadership. Presents included an all-purpose-tool and a very dapper hat that all agreed was perfect for, as Kristen said, “the perfect gentleman.”
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Spring Ramble Comes to Athens and Lexington ACHF and the Lexington Historic Preservation Commission partnered with the Georgia Trust to bring the Spring Ramble to Athens and Lexington April 17-19. The Trust reports that it was the most successful Ramble ever with over 550 attendees from across the state of Georgia as well as 20 attendees from 7 other states. There were at least 175 rooms booked locally for 2 nights and who knows how much spent for the local economy. The Trust alone spent over $40,000 locally.
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Highlights from Spring
Spring Fun-n-Friends On Tuesday, April 28th, Holly and Grant Whitworth hosted ACHF’s Spring Funn-Friends at their home at 760 Meigs Street. The Whitworths recently completed renovations to the 16-room Victorian home built in the 1880s by the Dozier family. Attendees enjoyed tours highlighting the modern renovations alongside extraordinary original features such as heart-of-pine floors and the fireplaces with original mantles in every room!
Faux Graining Project and Workshop The Ware-Lyndon Historic House and Lyndon House Arts Center was pleased to host resident craftsman and painter Mr. Derick Tickle during the first week of July. Mr. Tickle was commissioned to add a period interpretation at the Ware-Lyndon House that entailed faux marble painting on the interior baseboards of the house. The painted black marble with its gold and white vein dĂŠcor is in the style Portoro stone that comes originally from a Southern Italian quarry. During his stay, for two evenings, Mr. Tickle held a master workshop in faux painting sharing the types of brushes, paints and techniques used to create a faux stone finish on any surface. Students created Cararra and green Verde Issorie panels.
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Athens Welcome Center Update
A REFLECTION ON COLOR AT THE CHURCH-WADDEL-BRUMBY HOUSE We are thrilled to announce that an exquisite Girandole mirror with South Carolina provenance was acquired for the ChurchWaddel-Brumby House in mid-winter. While our House Restoration Committee still mourns the loss of Jeanne Strong – a long-standing member and designer of the CWB interior, this mirror was among her highest hopes for the Church-WaddelBrumby House. In 2009, she made an appeal in our newsletter for an 1820 to
1830 Girandole convex mirror. According to Jeanne, “It was a very desirable piece during the late Federal period, as such mirrors were used to increase lighting in the pre-electric age. The convex mirror reflected candle light with very interesting results.” Now, at the head of the dining room table, one can sit with an amazing 360-degree interior view. Please stop by to see this fascinating mirror and other recent acquisitions of local provenance.
And there is more exciting news at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House…Our museum interior was featured in Susan Hable’s recently published book, A Colorful Home: Create Lively Palettes for Every Room. With an agile eye, Susan artfully curates Athens’ color-rich interiors – as she sees them. The book embodies the creative essence of Athens’ interior spaces, all photographed in striking detail by notable artist, Rinne Allen. Most of the interiors pictured are exclusive historic private homes and the CWB House was among only three public spaces included. Turn its pages and discover our “citrus & sky” parlor and “buttery-melon” entry. A Colorful Home will spark your creative gene to make some color magic of your own. Coming soon to our Gift Shop, stop by the Athens Welcome Center for your copy, which will brighten any rainy summer day! Stay tuned for a book signing event at our location in the near future.
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Athens Welcome Center Update
ATHENS WELCOME CENTER VOLUNTEER RECEPTION
Athens Welcome Center Volunteer Reception. Pictured are Welcome Center volunteer and Epting Floral Director, Kimberly Roberts and Welcome Center Director, Evelyn Reece. Photo by Caitlin Short.
This year’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception at the Welcome Center was an evening to remember! Among those praising the work of our volunteers, were Mayor Nancy Denson, former A-CC Commissioner Kathy Hoard, and members of the ACHF Board and CVB. Mayor Denson gave official thanks for their service in delivering over $12,000 in volunteer man-hours. In honor of the event, Jittery Joe’s Coffee crafted a special Brazilian blend – the “1820 Classic Cup” for volunteers to enjoy in a personalized coffee mug complete with “mug shot” photos by Athens photographer, Jason Thrasher. To join our volunteer team of information specialists – Greeting visitors from around the nation – and the world – call Evelyn at 706-353-1820.
Athens Welcome Center Volunteer Reception. Refreshments by Athens Welcome Center Director, Evelyn Reece. Photo by Caitlin Short.
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Athens Welcome Center Update
PEGGY GALIS RECEIVES JEANNÉ DOWNS AWARD Every third year, the Jeanné M. Downs Community Spirit Award is given to a member of the Athens community who exemplifies the highest form of community spirit and love of Athens through advocacy, dedication, devotion, and inspiration to others. This award honors Jeanné’s activism and commitment to real change for the betterment of the community. Nominations are selected by the Restoration Committee of the ChurchWaddel-Brumby House at the Athens Welcome Center.
Athens Welcome Center Volunteer Reception. Pictured are Mayor Nancy Denson and Church-Waddel-Brumby House Restoration Committee Chair, Laura Straehla. Photo by Caitlin Short.
CLASSIC CITY TOURS’ MUSIC HISTORY TOUR FEATURED ON GPB! AthFest season is a great time to take the Athens Music History Tour. This June, in addition to our local and visiting tour -goers, we entertained Georgia Public Broadcasting among our guests. Reporter, Linda Chen covered the tour and promoted it on GPB. Tour guide Paul Butchart delivered a few interesting historical bits including his discovery that an early Athens artist is in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame! Next, on AthFest Friday, GPB heated up the competition among Athens music historians, with an on-air Music History Game Show with Jordan Stepp, Paul Butchart, and Flagpole’s Gabe Vodicka. To no surprise, our own Paul Butchart won the competition handsdown! To schedule a Music History Tour for your group or event, please call 706353-1820 or email Evelyn at athenswc@ negia.net. The Athens Welcome Center / 280 E. Dougherty St. / 706-353-1820 / athenswc@negia.net www.athenswelcomecenter.com H ER I T A GE
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This year’s Jeanné Downs Community Spirit Award was given to Peggy Heard Galis in recognition of her tireless hospitality, which has fostered much goodwill and supported many organizations, including the Georgia Museum of Art, Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, Athens Historical Society, Rose of Athens Theatre, among many others. Peggy’s knowledge and love of all areas of the Georgia humanities has inspired us all. She has made significant contributions to building community spirt and character among the Athens citizenry and beyond, not only through her support of humanities education, such as lectures, exhibits, and conferences, but also through her magnetic enthusiasm and charm. She seeks to enrich the lives of her family, friends, and the public at large through her love of the humanities, as they pertain to the State of Georgia and to everyday life. We are enriched by her efforts and, according to Dale Couch and Betty Alice Fowler, “She is a true Athens hero!” The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation created the Jeanné M. Downs Community Spirit Award in recognition of Ms. Downs’ dedication to the Athens community, particularly as a leader in the formation of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. The award also honors her efforts to establish and manage the Church-WaddelBrumby House Museum and the Athens Welcome Center. The first Jeanné Downs Community Spirit Award was given posthumously to Ms. Downs in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service in the Athens community. In 2012, the second Downs Community Spirit Award was given to Lee Epting.
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HANDS on ATHENS
By Dan Lorentz
Two Stalwart Volunteers Explain Their Dedication Hands On Athens, ACHF’s program to provide free maintenance, repairs and landscaping improvements for low-income homeowners in historic neighborhoods, has attracted many years of dedicated volunteer work from two busy local craftsmen. Why? What is it about this program that
keeps general contractor George Wright and carpenter Tosh Lickliter coming back year after year to volunteer countless hours? Well, one reason—according to HOA administrator John Kissane—is that their work is needed. “George and Tosh have all sorts of expertise that I lack,” Kissane says. “While I’m pretty good at sizing up an applicant’s house as being a good fit for HOA or not, I don’t have actual construction skills.” Plus, Kissane says, “They both appreciate the struggles of typical HOA clients and genuinely want to help, and they enjoy working with volunteers, even those lacking any carpentry or construction skills.” PA G E
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Wright, who runs George Wright Construction, Inc., started volunteering for the program from the very beginning back in 2000. He confirms that, when it started, the program badly needed professionals to get the work done. He says, laughing, he was “too weak to say no” when asked to help. Since then, Wright has worked in one capacity or another on every HOA house project. That’s about 120 houses. Wright still does show up on site to help guide volunteers and do construction work, but his role has now evolved into primarily organizing the supply of materials and volunteers for projects.
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“For one thing, you get to teach somebody [a volunteer or a homeowner] something they didn’t know how to do before, and that’s very satisfying,”
Lickliter started volunteering for HOA in 2004, and since then has worked on about 40 houses.
Wright says. “And the energy around these house projects is wonderful. We’re always tackling things that seem impossible at first, but we get it done anyway. That’s great.” Wright adds that doing this work enables him to connect with people who typically can’t afford his contracting services. “These projects bring more balance and fairness to my work as a builder, and that’s important to me.” For Tosh Lickliter, the other half of HOA’s stalwart volunteer duo, the explanation for his long-term commitment to the program is pretty simple.
“I was just raised to believe that if you’re able to help someone, you should just help,”says Lickliter, a master carpenter, who does a lot of custom cabinet work for high profile customers, including local restaurateur Hugh Acheson’s venues. “If I were in a position where I needed help, I sure would want someone to help me.” H ER I T A GE
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While, like Wright, he does a wide variety of work on the projects—roofing, chimney work, painting—Lickliter says his favorite work is doing custom milling for trim. “On a few projects, we’ve been fortunate enough to have UGA preservation students as volunteers, and I love that,” he says. “The students really want to know the why and how of restoration work. They get into the details, which is what I personally find very satisfying.” “You know, I absolutely love my job and I guess I’d say I like being able to teach young people about these skilled trades and crafts,” Lickliter says. “I’d really like to see more young people get into it because pretty soon we’re not going to have many crafts people left, and so that’s an aspect of this that I also find satisfying.” The projects keep coming in and their dedication goes on. Both Wright and Lickliter are currently working on HOA projects (a chimney and porch repair project on West Hancock Ave., for example) and are lining up projects for July and beyond. SUMME R
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LOOKING BACK D A LOOKINyGearsAofHAE CHF Celebrating 50
rates its 50th age Foundation celeb rit He ke lar -C ns he At The are beginning milestone in mind, we is th th Wi . 17 20 in anniversary s who have been key highlighting Athenian by rly ea n tio ra leb ce the and its roles nt of the foundation me lop ve de nt ce re e players in th unty community. the Athens-Clarke Co in ce for ve cti oa pr as a
K HERITAGE, WE AS IN THIS ISSUE OF WIS. LE . OF JENNIFER M SOME QUESTIONS trustee from terms as an ACHF Jennifer served two from 2010 stee board President 2005 to 2011, was tru e from 2007 the awards committe to 2011, and chaired agreed to ed that Jennifer has to 2012. We are excit Committee med 50th Anniversary for tly en rec the air ch hts as ght some of her thoug and wanted to highli ACHF’s for the celebration of we begin to prepare ity. in the local commun past and future roles
t interested and how did you ge Where are you from h house in preservation? up in a 1960s ranc ce, SC, and grew
me. One set of I am from Floren all looked the same to es us ho the ere wh neighborhood visiting that unique from Savannah, and y all gin ori s wa ts grandparen left a big impression ’s 3-story row house rah Sa nt Au t tion ea Gr my city and s involved in preserva another aunt who wa l, oo old sch h s, hig car d In (ol . on me all things old recognized my love for , GA , ic tta tor rie his Ma in in s ms effort duate progra and told me about gra s) ing ild bu old , sic mu d. ing at UGA. I was sol preservation, includ
ional background? What is your educat is in Studio Art and Art History from the
gree My undergraduate de portunities with the g that time I had op rin Du . on est arl Ch College of Carolina Main Street eston and the South arl Ch of ty cie tion So n tio Preserva of Historic Preserva ens for the Master Ath to yed me ca sta I d . an D) ram Prog d Design (CE ge of Environment an lle Co ing ish the fin at er m aft gra ce pro treach offi Public Service and Ou on working for CED’s my graduate degree.
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Talk about your past experience with ACHF. I was involved with ACHF through Hands On Athens, the Preservation Issues committee and the Preservation Awards before becoming a Trustee in 2006, and I was honored to serve as President of the Board in my second term. Through my outreach work with the College of Environment and Design, I have gotten to partner with ACHF on several community projects, including the 2004 Community Approach to Planning Prince Avenue (CAPPA) charrette and the Southern Mill Symposium and charrette in 2012.
Why do you believe ACHF is important to the community? So many places that draw people to Athens – or entice them to stay after college and put down roots, or start a local business, or make a go of it here as a band – are historic areas of town that would not have remained as they are without the preservation ethic that ACHF and its members foster. Whether it was railing against urban renewal in the 1960s, or seeking out the beautiful “Southern Gothicness” of derelict buildings for a music video in the 1980s, or choosing to repair an original part of one’s home rather than replace it with a poor substitute, these decisions collectively and physically define Athens as a community that people want to be a part of.
What are some specific Athens preservation projects that have been important to you in the past, and are there any upcoming projects that you would like to see in the future? I am proud of having been a part of the annual Preservation Awards as it evolved from a small gathering with certificates of appreciation to a large-scale community event at the Morton Theatre that visually showcases and celebrates amazing preservation projects. Plus, touring buildings, talking with the owners, selecting dramatic photographs of renovations and sharing anecdotes with the audience was a great gig! The project that I am most eager for in Athens is the potential rehabilitation of the Southern Manufacturing Company, a.k.a. Southern Mill, in the Boulevard neighborhood. So many other cities — especially Atlanta, Durham, and Greenville, just in our region — have turned these historic centers of commerce into contemporary live-work centers of art, entertainment, business incubation and tourism. It is time!
Why did you agree to chair the ACHF’s 50th Anniversary Committee and what do you hope to achieve in this role? I am selfishly excited to gather together the people in Athens that helped stem the tide of teardowns and meld them with the new creative class of entrepreneurs that thrive in this city... but may not know all the work that went into making it what it is. Celebrating half a century of work is the perfect time to reflect on all that has been accomplished and inspire future opportunities. I can’t wait to hear your stories and then share them with a new audience in creative ways. H ER I T A GE
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THE BEST OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION 2015 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 1 at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT 425 Hill Street In early 2015, Carl Martin of D.O.C Unlimited and his team began work to repair the deteriorating columns featured so prominently on the front façade of the home. A structural engineer determined that the columns were no longer reliable as supports for the large porch roof and a decision was made to hide a new steel post system within each column. These posts go all the way from the underside of the porch roof to a large concrete footing, unlike the wooden columns that rested on the porch floor and therefore relied on the porch for support. In fact, now the wood columns actually hang on the steel posts. With the structural stability of the columns restored, the team then addressed the restoration of deteriorated portions of the wood columns. As was typical of construction techniques of the time when the home was built — 1849 — no two pieces are sized the same so the team had to mill replacements one by one. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT UGA/GRU Medical Sciences Campus The UGA Health Sciences campus occupies 56 acres of land in a growing area of town that we all know as Normaltown. The campus is nestled in between Prince Avenue and Oglethorpe Avenue, and houses 200 students who live and learn on this campus. UGA took ownership of this site in April 2011, and the following year they completed renovations necessary for medical instruction. The university set an ambitious 4-year timeline for development of the site, and four years later they are right on target. They faced many challenges, including updating mechanical systems, installing elevators, improving masonry, and incorporating energy efficient systems to the buildings. They seamlessly were able to keep the integrity of the buildings,
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both traditional and mid-century modern, while updating and improving for longevity. The site has been renovated and rebuilt with a sensitive consideration to the past and a regenerated look to the future. COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION 1280 W. Broad St. J.W. York Homes The building at 1280 W. Broad Street at the intersection of Rocksprings St. is one of a few remaining structures on W. Broad that were built as single-family residences. It was constructed in 1925 in a traditionally black neighborhood west of downtown Athens. The walls were constructed of granite, an atypical material for the neighborhood. Dearing Street Partners, LLC, a company composed of Jared York and Doug Lenhardt, purchased the property at a tax sale in 2008. The condition at purchase in 2008 was horrendous inside and out. The team largely gutted the interior of the home for health and safety reasons. The rotted dormers and deck (which was not original to the structure) were removed. A new metal roof was installed, paint was removed from the granite exterior, the front porch was rebuilt and all new plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems were fitted. The rehabilitation and reuse of the building has helped establish a sense of revitalization to a prominent lot that was previously perceived as blighted and despondent. Now, instead of sitting vacant and neglected, the property serves as model for historically compatible redevelopment and once again proudly serves this historic West Broad neighborhood. PUBLICATIONS & PROGRAMS Dwelling in Athens Kristin Karch Started only in January of this year, Kristin Karch’s “Dwelling in Athens” Instagram account
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quickly grabbed our attention and has since amassed an impressive 1,595 followers. Kristin has photographed homes in Boulevard, Five Points, along Milledge and in Cobbham, but she has also turned her lens to the town of Madison, and Sweet Olive Farm in Winterville. She does not discriminate among small or large homes, or those that have or have not been restored, making her collection of images an accurate and colorful record of regional vernacular architecture. Kristin has said that if she doesn’t know much about a house, her followers often do, providing an opportunity for everyone to share knowledge about what could quickly become forgotten history. PUBLICATIONS & PROGRAMS The Tangible Past in Athens, GA The authors of The Tangible Past dedicated their book to the authors of another book on the history of Athens: Dr. Henry Hull and his son Augustus Longstreet Hull, who wrote Annals of Athens, Georgia: 1801-1901. The contributors to The Tangible Past called that book “the definitive history” of the first hundred years of Athens. This book — The Tangible Past — is not a typical chronological history, but it will serve as a massive, enduring cornerstone of local history. There are 18 chapters and eight appendices, with each chapter more of a glimpse into a particular topic, rather than covering a full 100 years of Athens history. Chapters include “Three Oconee Street Historic Houses,” “Letters from Early Athens,” “How Houses Were Moved,” “The Bookends of Downtown,” “Manasseh B. McGinty: Postbellum Master Builder,” “Vanished Prince Avenue,” “Twenty-Five Cobb Family Houses in Athens,” and “The Pink Lady Returns.” NEW CONSTRUCTION 483 W. Cloverhurst David & Sandy Dwyer This 1922 brick cottage located in the West Cloverhurst-Springdale historic district exhibits modest architectural details and a wide front yard that is a prominent characteristic of the district. The previous owners removed an original screened porch in 2004 and a small sunroom was constructed in its stead. The current owners, David and Sandy Dwyer, felt that a larger room would afford their family the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant street
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where their home was located. The end result is a very visible addition that ties seamlessly to the original house and becomes, as Mr. Dwyer suggests, “a small piece of ‘new growth’ for a house that has been and will continue to be an integral part of both a local and national register historic district”. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 1045 Prince Ave. Kevin Bates & Patrice Poulin From the best we can gather from multiple and sometimes conflicting stories, construction of the Gordon-Hanks house at 1045 Prince Avenue started around 1905 and finished in 1912. The house was built for Nannette Hodgson and her husband Hugh Gordon, grandson of Georgia Governor John B. Gordon. The home had been vacant for three years when Kevin Bates and Patrice Poulin purchased it in 2012 from an owner who didn’t seem to know what to do with it. On inspection day, three of the four bathrooms poured water through the ceilings. One of three furnaces somewhat worked, and there were serious electrical concerns. Seven consecutive joists holding the kitchen floor together were broken, creating an uneasy bouncy feeling as you walked by the refrigerator. Kevin and Patrice have gone above and beyond to make necessary structural improvements to this important house, without which could have easily led down a road of possible demolition. Not only have they secured its future, but they have also put in tremendous time and resources to create an amazing living space. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 160 Tracy Street Alex & Josh Brown, Broad 9A Known as Broad 9A, the Broad Collective’s new home and co-working space is an openconcept space that supports the business’ myriad activities while also staying true to the original design of the historic warehouse. This particular bay in the former cotton mill warehouses sat vacant for about 80 years, more recently housing another property owner’s motorcycle collection. The floors were a mix of asphalt and dirt, the utilities dated back to the 1940s, and the floor had a steep one-foot downward grade from one end of the space to the other, presumably for drainage. With its exposed support beams, the open space remains largely as it did upon construction, and
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lends itself to the multi-purpose needs of the Broad Collective and its co-working space. Most days it serves as an office and meeting space, but can also be rented out for larger events or else in need of a space to create. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 190 Barber Street Chris Peterson, Peterson Properties At the start of the rehabilitation process the property was in a state of disrepair and had undergone a number of changes since its circa 1900 construction. One of its biggest changes came sometime during the sixties or seventies when the house was converted to a triplex. Due to these changes and the property’s poor condition, a complete rehabilitation was undertaken. All of the covered and sheetrocked pocket doors and doorways were uncovered, which returned the house to much of its original plan. The plaster walls were repaired and the entire house repainted. All kitchens and bathrooms were renovated and updated, and all floors were refinished. One of the biggest changes came with the removal of framed-in drop ceilings and a return to the original ceiling heights. The final result of the interior renovation was a massive “reversal” that allowed for much of the house’s original character to truly shine. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 328 Dearing Street Matt & Ashley Steele This iconic house at the corner of Dearing and Church streets had fallen into disrepair in recent years and needed extensive work. Although it’s easily recognizable as a historic home, and located in one of Athens’ historic neighborhoods, it’s not located within a locally designated historic district and therefore its future, until recently, remained uncertain. The home boasts triple-hung windows, heartpine floors, and four fireplaces — some with original sunburst carvings that are reminiscent of the federal period. The majority of the original heart pine floor was restored. All of the original windows were restored and are in full working order. That includes some breathtaking triplehung windows that stretch almost from floor to ceiling. Finally, the color scheme of the exterior of the home was duplicated down to the pink chimneys to honor the home as it had come to be known.
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OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 395 Barber Street Jared York, J.W. York Homes For years, this home sat vacant and overgrown on a hillside overlooking Barber, but today it has new life breathed into it. The home had structural defects and suffered from termite and water damage. The floor in the non-functioning kitchen fell in shortly after construction began. And to top it off, the only part of the bathroom that worked was the toilet. As a result of this disrepair and neglect, the home was taken down to its studs and given new electric, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Homeowner Jared York also added a compatible addition on the rear of the house for an additional bedroom and bathroom, which was unanimously approved by the Athens Historic Preservation Commission. Jared also reused some of the original doors and refinished the original hardwood floors. The existing fireplace mantels were repaired and saved, along with the original window sashes. Outside, the old vinyl siding was removed and the wood siding was restored. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 565 Prince Avenue Chris Peterson, Peterson Properties Located next to Piedmont College and within the Cobbham Historic District, 565 Prince Ave. is part of one of Athens’ earliest suburbs. Little is known about the history of the property but certain material inclusions like 6-inch heart pine floors indicate that it was built in the late 1800s. Chris Peterson of Peterson Properties, a familiar friend to preservation in Athens, acquired the building last year and was up to the challenge. Rehabilitation of the house was extensive and resolved a number of issues. At the start of the process the rear of the house was unfinished. In order to finish this portion, all structural problems were taken care of and walls and floor systems were rebuilt. One of the greatest successes of this rehabilitation is the use of original materials. The original window sashes were found in storage and reinstalled, and any missing sashes were milled from heart pine to match the originals. Not only are there modern amenities, but Chris was also able to preserve a multitude of period architectural details around fireplaces and decorative scrollwork in the hallways.
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OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION 70 Arch Street/182-184 First Street David Bryan, King Post Construction 70 Arch Street and 182-184 First Street are mill houses common to this area. They are small but solidly built homes, prominent in this neighborhood because they were built to house workers of the pre-Civil War-era Chicopee Mill. The homes were solidly built using old- growth timber for their wood walls and ceilings, with double-layer heart pine floors. Two of the three homes were untenable when they were purchased and the third was rented but in very poor condition. One by one, David began the process to rehabilitate the homes. All had termite or water damage to sills, floor joists, and wall studs. The asbestos or aluminum siding was removed to expose the original wood, and the homes were given a fresh coat of paint inside and out. OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION Willson Center for the Humanities Office of UGA Architects Prior to its current occupancy by the Willson Center, the building was utilized by the UGA Office of Public Service and Outreach. It had been vacant for over a year prior it rehabilitation, and was showing many signs of wear and tear. On the interior, many of the building’s historic details were disguised by modern alterations such as carpeting and drop ceilings, leaving a bland and uninspiring mark. The UGA Office of University Architects recognized that bringing back architectural details would breathe new life into the historic house, instead of feeling trapped in a scene from the movie Office Space. It is obvious from the quality of the rehabilitation of this historic property that the Office of University Architects and those working with them met the goal of returning this structure to its original historic character while repurposing it for the valuable work of the Willson Center. OUTSTANDING RESTORATION UGA Chapel Scott Messer and Tyler Chapman, UGA Chapel Constructed in 1832, the UGA Chapel became the center of campus activities and the site of daily, mandatory religious services for students. It’s bell, which was moved from the top of the chapel to a wooden tower at the back in 1913, was used to indicate the beginning and end of class, and to signal emergencies.
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In 2012, UGA started noticing paint deficiencies and severe rot on the Chapel’s wooden trim and close to 200-year-old windows. Being only one of two ante-bellum buildings on campus that has retained its original windows, the decision was made to restore rather than replace. Working with an out-of-state contractor, the window jambs, stops, trim, sills and stools were stripped and repaired in kind. All original or historic glass was documented and numbered and returned to their original placement. This project is an important case study in the value of documenting and preserving original building materials on historic structures, as it demonstrates the durability of these materials even when not properly maintained. STEWARDSHIP 892 Prince Avenue The Timothy B. Gibson Family Bryan Hooper, Lonestar Construction Built by Charles Newton after he purchased the property from E.S. Lyndon in 1897, the NewtonGibson house was home to Charles, his wife Mary, and their five children — four daughters and a son. After his death in the 1950s, Charles’ wife and daughters inherited the house. None of the Newton sisters married, and while living together in the home they developed a strong bond. They wrote and published poetry and used the former servant’s quarters behind the house as an art studio. He last surviving sister to live in the house, Catherine Newton, is considered a pioneer in women’s rights at the University of Georgia. When Catherine died, Dr. Timothy Gibson purchased the home, and has kept her spirit alive both in the family’s dedication to the house, and to its service as a doctor’s office that serves underserved communities. In the decades since the Gibson family purchased the home, they have made minor modifications — mainly updating the electric and adding some metal plates in a wall used as an X-ray room — in order to open Prince Avenue Primary Care. Overall, though, changes have been minor, and always with regard to the original construction of the home. As a medical office, the Newton-Gibson house sees about 200 patients a week, which can put some strain on the home. The Gibson family, with the help of their contractor, Bryan Hooper, are constantly painting, reglazing or patching plaster. But it’s a labor of love. “This is like a living, breathing, animal,” says Laura Gibson, “so it’s tough to keep up with everything.”
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But in between, they do, and the NewtonGibson house stands as a beacon of local heritage amidst a sea of change. STEWARDSHIP John Linley Garden Rinne Allen & Lee Smith John Linley moved to 530 Pulaski Street in the 1960s. He joined the faculty at UGA’s School of Environmental Design in 1963, and was deeply impressed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and its Japanese sources among other influences and interests. Linley worked on the garden bit by bit with help from colleagues and students (who sometimes got course credit for their work) and others. Gradually the garden took shape and acquired some fame. It’s been featured in books and magazine articles, including recently in Garden & Gun magazine. Rinne Allen and Lee Smith bought the house along with the garden in 1996. Since then, they have tended the garden and expanded its territory behind adjacent houses they also purchased. There’s now an area with full sun where they grow herbs and veggies. Many former students of Linley still visit the garden, and while they don’t advertise it Rinne and Lee have always had an “open door” to visitors. They like to see students, garden-lovers and folks from the neighborhood explore this hidden treasure. STEWARDSHIP Hamilton-Phinzy-Segrest House Phi Mu Sorority This Greek Revival home that houses the Phi Mu Sorority was built in 1857 by Thomas Napier Hamilton, reported to be Georgia’s first millionaire. In 1964, the house was sold to Phi Mu for $10 as a generous gift to the sorority. That year, the sorority added two dormitories at the rear of the original house and two side wings. In 1991, the Hamilton-Phinzy-Segrest Home was designated as a historic landmark. The addition of the dormitory area of the home and the rooms encompassing the side wings were sensitively accomplished respecting the historic character and scale of the original home, including replicating the windows of the original structure, creating moldings, wainscoting, and chair rails of the appropriate period, and the addition of fireplaces in keeping with the style and period of the home.
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Any house with constant activity and foot traffic requires regular attention and upkeep. The task is not as easy for a 158-year old landmark building with a wealth of architectural significance and detail. Fortunately, the Phi Mu Housing Corporation recognizes the importance of treating the house delicately and has gone the extra mile in both regular maintenance and preserving historic details. PRESIDENT’S AWARD Athens Downtown Development Authority Each year with the President’s Award, the President of the Board of Trustees chooses to recognize an individual or organization for their contribution to historic preservation. This year, out-going President David Bryant chose to honor leadership shown by the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) in two projects – the Downtown Athens Master Plan and their Façade Grant Program. In the first project, the ADDA hired Dr. Jack Crowley of the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design to head a planning process that gathered input from the commercial sector, neighborhoods, the University and other critical local stakeholders to produce a master plan that envisions an exciting future for downtown Athens while retaining the best of the past. In the second project, the ADDA is taking direct action to protect the historic facades of downtown buildings by offering matching grants to downtown property owners to preserve or restore building facades in the downtown district. The program has significant requirements for historical appropriateness and has recently funded its first project – a façade restoration at the corner of College Avenue and Clayton Street. The project will restore original metal façade panels along the College Avenue side and the building will get a new paint job to highlight its architectural details. Both of these projects will help ensure that downtown Athens retains and showcases its historic character for years to come.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NEXT HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL AWARDS: JUNE 6, 2016 SUMME R
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In Memoriam – Thank you! The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation would like to thank the families of Dev Weeks and Jack Rowland for designating ACHF as a recipient of memorial donations, and we would like to thank the following individuals for honoring the memories of these special Athenians with their donations. In Memory of Dev Weeks (1934- 2015) Winifred and James Anderson Julie Bowles Peggy Galis Mary Stakes and Paul Hardy Lane and Jim Norton Carolyn Panak Fran and Emory Thomas Dianne Penny and Smith Wilson In Memory of Jack Rowland (1926-2015) Please see the story on Page 6 for the list of donations made in memory of Jack Rowland.
To make a donation, please contact Amy Kissane at 706-353-1801 or amykissane@bellsouth.net.
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Membership Rates
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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