achfonline.org

SPRING 2012

Rising from the ruinsSymposium refocuses future

possibilities for Athens’ grand old millPAGE 8

A house with characterCamak House’s past goes

beyond Coca-ColaPAGE 14

Living historyRosa Thurmond leads

a series of toursPAGE 6

ATHENS-CLARKE HERITAGE FOUNDATION Fire Hall No. 2 489 Prince Avenue Athens, Georgia 30601 706-353-1801 fax 706-552-0753 e-mail: achf@bellsouth.netwww.achfonline.org Executive Director: Amy C. Kissane Welcome Center Director: Evelyn ReeceHands 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 2011-2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tim Kelly, PresidentLisa Wilson Dore, President-elect/Education ChairChris Peterson, Treasurer/Finance ChairTony Stringer, Treasurer-elect Kyle Campbell, Recording SecretaryTom Wilfong, Parliamentarian Janet Patterson, Revolving Fund Liaison/Preservation Issues Chair

Lauren Bloodworth Bill Bracewell, Chair, Future PlanDavid Bryant Stephanie Crockatt Linda Davis Hope Iglehart John Knowlton

Michael Lachowski, Chair, CommunicationsCheri Leavy, Co-chair, Special EventsJan Levinson, Chair, MembershipJennifer Lewis, Past President Bobbie McKeller, Chair, Athens Welcome CenterJennifer Messer, Chair, DevelopmentKeith Plummer

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL HERITAGE SPONSORS

Corinthian Level ($5,000)R.E.M.

Ionic Level ($2,500)Barber Creek DesignGeorgia Power

Doric Level ($1,500)Aurum Studios, Ltd.Carson Advisory, Inc.ETL Construction ServicesLindsay Transfer & Storage The Sams GroupTodd Emily of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

HERITAGE CREDITS Editor: Kristen MoralesCommunications Committee: Michael Lachowski (chair), Jennifer Lewis, Amy KissaneDesign: Eleonora Machado Heritage Newsletter Logo: Chris BilheimerCover photo: The Southern Mills Symposium in February took participants to the mill’s property near the Boulevard neighborhood before discussing possible options for rehabilitating the mill. Photo by Charles Apostolik.

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Two local news stories, the re-development of the Armstrong & Dobbs property and the county’s rail-trail project, specifically the Murmur Trestle, have raised the question, “How does historic pres-ervation impact these projects?” The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation would like to address this question.

There are a range of actions that people commonly think of as “his-toric preservation,” from restoration to salvage. Restoration is the act of returning a building to a period in its history by repairing and re-constructing historic elements and removing later additions; it is the purest form of preservation and also the rarest. Typically, historic property owners undertake what is called rehabilitation, the act of making possible a new use through repair, alterations, and additions; a successful rehabilitation is one that preserves a building’s historic char-acter. If a building is moved, is it still historic preservation? Of course, but it is a lesser form because the build-ing loses some of its authenticity, as does the place it formerly occupied. Preservation, after all, is about more than just preserving materials; it is also about preserving the history of places.

What about salvage, saving pieces of a historic building that is being demolished? Is that historic preser-vation? While reusing materials is certainly better than taking them to the landfill, it’s not a preservation solution that should ever be sought; rather it’s the result of a failure to find a preservation solution. That said, reusing materials in new de-velopments can provide an element of authenticity by recalling a site’s history and providing a jumping off point for historical interpretation.

So, what’s the right approach to the Armstrong & Dobbs redevelopment and the trestle?

The proposed Selig property encom-passes roughly 10 acres, including a portion of the Athens Warehouse National Register District, desig-nated in 1988. The remainder of the tract has no official designation but does include 4 buildings that are more than 50 years old. Since 1988 the district has undergone dramatic changes, and only 12 of the original 25 contributing buildings remain. Three are located on the Selig tract: the warehouse occupied by Jittery Joe’s (built between 1926 and 1950); c.1915 Dixie Canner Company; and a c.1905 cotton shed. The Selig tract

From the Fire Hall/Message from the PresidentTim Kelly, President, and Amy Kissane, Executive DirectorNote: This piece appeared on the Athens Banner-Herald’s Opinion page on Jan. 28, 2012.

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includes 4 other historic buildings: an early 20th century seed house, a cotton gin, grocery warehouse and a c.1955 metal warehouse.

Does historic preservation have a place in this conversation? Yes. The property is, by all accounts, a complex and difficult site to redevelop, but preservation should be a factor when deciding how best to do it. Reusing the historic buildings will make a better project, and Selig should consider the potential of existing structures and explore options to rehabilitate buildings, particularly Jittery Joe’s. Where rehabilitation proves unreasonable, reuse of elements in place, such as walls, and reuse of historic materials throughout the project should be considered. By taking advantage of historic preservation opportunities, the developer makes this project

more authentic, an Athens-centric development that becomes part of the evolution of downtown.

The historic 1883 Georgia Railroad trestle, once part of the final link that brought railroads into downtown Athens, is a different challenge. In 1983, the trestle was featured on R.E.M.’s “Murmur” album cover and in 2000 it was partially demolished before being bought and saved by A-CC. Recently, it has been at the center of local efforts to establish a rail-trail line into downtown Athens. Current trail plans have, however, taken a turn for the worse. According to Derek Doster, SPLOST Project Manager, the Federal Highway Administration—which has the authority to weigh in because of the use of federal transportation dol-lars—has told the county that the trestle is historic (which it is) and that the best solution is to preserve

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it as is, unless it can be completely restored to its original condition. As a result, the county is planning to reroute the rail-trail at the trestle’s eastern end; it will descend a series of ramps to an existing trail and bridge over Trail Creek and then follow switchbacks back up to the railroad and on to the Multimodal Center. In other words, the trail will take people down and up one of the steepest grades in the county, and the trestle will be left standing to deteriorate until further notice.

This plan serves no one well. The trestle has been left unattended for too long and is now both a safety and environmental hazard. Even if funds were spent to stabilize and make the trestle safe to support the trail, it would continue to leach pollutants and require costly, ongo-ing maintenance. Unfortunately, the best solution appears to be to

demolish the remaining trestle and build a new bridge for the trail. A new structure could be built to ac-curately depict the history of the trestle from its glorious beginning to its sad demise. It could incorporate modern design with authentic his-toric replication. The juxtaposition of these two styles would tell the trestle’s story. Music fans who come to view the trestle would not be dis-appointed; in fact, it could be a very striking structure worth preserving in the future.

ACHF, a private, non-profit, member-ship organization in Athens whose mission is to be a proactive force in the protection of historic properties, acknowledges that coming to such conclusions can be difficult, but we know that multiple legitimate concerns sometimes conflict with each other and compromises may be necessary to move forward.

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Volunteer Opportunities

A sellout tour for ‘Holiday Spirits’ The Athens Historic House Museum Association, a collaborative force in Athens heritage tourism, hosted its fourth annual Holiday Spirits Museum Theatre Tour. It was our most successful one yet—a sellout—and no wonder, with new plays showcased at the Church-Waddel-Brumby and TRR Cobb houses. “A Farewell to Dr. Waddell” premiered at the CWB House and cleverly brought our Athens and University histories to life by showcasing the changing of the guard of UGA presidents, Moses Waddel and Alonzo Church.

If you missed Holiday Spirits, consider the Athens Historic House Museum

Association’s next big thing: the Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage, Thursday-Sunday, April 19-22. This annual event offers a glimpse of the history and beauty of seven Georgia cities that pull out

all the stops for this 100-mile trek back through time. Rediscover your Georgia and see Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Old Clinton, and Macon in the beauty of spring. Go to www.antebellumtrail.org for more information and to get your tickets!

Don’t miss a thing! Visitors coming to town? Remember that the Athens Welcome Center is here to help you entertain guests. With up-to-the-minute information on what is happening in Athens, we can customize the perfect itinerary for your family and friends. Choose from a number of tours, including Music History, North Campus walking tours, Athens Heritage, African-American, or the Museum Mile driving tour. We also can arrange shuttle transportation. We can do it all! And, don’t forget to stop at the Athens Welcome Center Gift Shop, with the latest in locally-made gifts and now featuring Bee Natural Honey Pots. Remember to use your 10% ACHF member discount! Find us at 280 E. Dougherty St.; 706-353-1820 or athenswc@negia.net.

ATHENS WELCOME CENTER UPDATEby Evelyn Reece, Director

Classic City Tours was delighted to recently welcome Rosa Thurmond aboard as tour guide for the African-American History Tours during Black History Month. Mrs. Thurmond’s tours were both enlightening and inspirational. She covered poignant moments in the transition of schools in the 1960s and shared beautiful stories about community spirit and the teachers and leaders who anchored neighborhoods and shaped the Athens we know today. Rosa has a BIG heart and her tours were a true gift to Athens this year. For this, we thank you, Rosa!

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Save the Date for ACHF’s first GREEN Bike Tour!

Education

In the spring of 2009, three students in UGA’s Masters in Historic Preservation program (Ashley Baker, Melanie Ford, and Victoria Wood) developed a heritage education lesson plan for the foundation called, “Our Home, Our Town, Our World” and taught the class to elementary

students at Chase Street Elementary and Athens Academy. Historic preservation is not incorporated into A-CC schools as a formal part of the curriculum, and this was a unique opportunity to reach out to, and influence, future preservationists!

We are in the beginning stages of creating a preservation curriculum for Athens-Clarke County fourth-grade students. This curriculum will be planned, presented, and taught by ACHF volunteers yearly, beginning in spring 2013. If you are interested in being part of this process, please contact achf@bellsouth.net. No experience in the classroom or special knowledge of historic preservation is necessary!

Sat.May 510 a.m.

VOLUNTEERSHERITAGE EDUCATION

WANTED

Be a

part

of A

then

s by

bein

g a

part

of A

CHF

Since

196

7, th

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valu

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keep

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ures —

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hist

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but a

lso a

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with

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y lev

els. I

t pr

ovid

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for e

duca

tional

and

com

munity

pro

gram

s that

hap

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rough

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r all

arou

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itage

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s, which

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neighbo

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rs a

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also

supp

ort t

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onom

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fost

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g neig

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ood

spiri

t.

How c

an I

join

?

Visit A

CHF onlin

e at w

ww.ach

fonlin

e.org

or ca

ll 70

6-35

3-18

01.

“Pre

serv

ation

Mat

ters

” deb

uts in

Augu

st a

s th

e Ath

ens-

Clarke

Herita

ge F

ounda

tion’s

newes

t pro

gram

, to a

nnually c

onsis

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lectu

re, h

ands

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orks

hop, s

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sium

and

tour.

This

year

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erita

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– Inher

ently

Gre

en –

Join us for the final 2011-2012 Preservation Matters event, a “green” bike tour through Athens historic neighborhoods.

Tour stops include properties in Pulaski Heights, Boulevard, and Cobbham. The route will be relatively flat and water will be provided, but BYOB — Bring Your Own Bike!

ACHF has partnered with BikeAthens, an alternative transportation nonprofit, and this event will not only showcase ex-amples of “green” building methods, but will also educate participants on safe bik-ing strategies for our area and encourage

discussion on walking, biking and public transportation options.

Heather Benham, Director of Operations at the Athens Land Trust, will discuss infill within historic neighborhoods as well as Earthcraft standards incorporated within the Athens Land Trust headquarters.

Lori Bork of Bork Architectural Design Inc., a full-service design firm in Athens, will present information on the sustain-ability features of each of the properties visited and will also provide a tour of her LEED Platinum home in the Pulaski Heights neighborhood.

USGBC/AIA continuing education credits will be offered: (estimated) 3 CE hours

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Property with Potential:

“Southern Mills: Economically Smart | Socially Responsible”

Economic development. Tax breaks and incentives. Underutilized historic properties. More jobs in Athens.

Sound familiar? These terms refer to many hot topics in our community, and on Feb. 4, ACHF hosted an im-pressive array of speakers to talk about these issues in an innovative and often surprising way.

The property of inspiration was Southern Mills, the 18-acre property on which ACHF holds a façade ease-ment. The property’s former name was the Southern Manufacturing Company and from the 1950s to the late 1990s, the Wilkins family owned and operated textile mill manufactur-ing facilities on the site. In 2000 it was sold to Aderhold Properties, Inc., of Atlanta, with the intention of develop-ing a residential community for UGA students. This never materialized and the buildings have been unused for more than a decade.

Using this historic mill property as a backdrop and inspiration, the founda-tion’s goal was to stress the viability of this type of project in Athens, il-lustrate the potential impact of such a project, and demonstrate a model of socially responsible development that combines community needs, econom-ic development, sustainable building practices, and historic preservation.

The daylong event took place at Chase Street Elementary School, just blocks from the property on Oneta and Bryan streets, and began with a bus trip and tour of the property. This was the first time many symposium par-ticipants had been on the site, and they were at once impressed by its size and raw beauty, but dismayed by what they perceived as impossible obstacles, especially given the damage to the buildings. Returning to Chase Street Elementary, the 140 partici-pants settled in for four illuminating presentations.

Be a

part

of A

then

s by

bein

g a

part

of A

CHF

Since

196

7, th

e Ath

ens-

Clarke

Her

itage

Fou

ndatio

n has

bee

n

the

leadi

ng ad

voca

te f

or n

ot o

nly pr

eser

ving

the

histor

y in

Athen

s, bu

t also

look

ing

towar

ds it

s fu

ture

. Ther

e is

valu

e in

keep

ing h

istor

ic st

ruct

ures —

not

only

as a

hist

orica

l res

ourc

e,

but a

lso a

s a li

ving,

brea

thin

g lan

dmar

k th

at g

ives b

ack

to th

e

com

munity

with

ever

yone w

ho walk

s, bi

kes o

r driv

es b

y.

What

doe

s my

mem

bers

hip d

o?

It wor

ks o

n man

y lev

els. I

t pr

ovid

es fu

nding

for e

duca

tional

and

com

munity

pro

gram

s that

hap

pen th

rough

out t

he yea

r all

arou

nd Ath

ens,

inclu

ding p

rogr

ams i

n schoo

ls, cl

asse

s for

scou

t

badg

es a

nd th

e ev

er-p

opular

ser

ies o

f Her

itage

Walk

s, which

show

case

diff

eren

t hist

oric

neighbo

rhoo

ds a

round

town. Y

our

mem

bers

hip d

ollar

s als

o su

ppor

t ongo

ing

prog

ram

s th

at a

re a

part

of th

e fab

ric of

Ath

ens,

such

as th

e Ath

ens W

elcom

e Cen

ter,

Classic

City

Tou

rs a

nd Han

ds O

n Ath

ens

— a

ll pr

ogra

ms

that

also

supp

ort t

he loc

al ec

onom

y while

fost

erin

g neig

hborh

ood

spiri

t.

How c

an I

join

?

Visit A

CHF onlin

e at w

ww.ach

fonlin

e.org

or ca

ll 70

6-35

3-18

01.

“Pre

serv

ation

Mat

ters

” deb

uts in

Augu

st a

s th

e Ath

ens-

Clarke

Herita

ge F

ounda

tion’s

newes

t pro

gram

, to a

nnually c

onsis

t of a

lectu

re, h

ands

-on-w

orks

hop, s

ympo

sium

and

tour.

This

year

the

Athen

s-Clar

ke H

erita

ge F

ounda

tion w

ill c

onnec

t

the

dots

thro

ugh p

rogr

amm

ing

entit

led “H

istor

ic Pr

eser

vatio

n-

Inher

ently

Gre

en,”

show

casin

g exp

erts

who w

ill h

elp A

then

ians

save

mon

ey a

nd th

e en

viron

men

t thro

ugh b

ette

r unde

rsta

nd-

ing h

ow h

istor

ic pr

oper

ties f

unction

and

contri

bute

to a

health

y

com

munity

.

– Inher

ently

Gre

en –

H E R I T A G E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | P A G E 9

“Southern Mills: Economically Smart | Socially Responsible”

The first speaker, Donovan Rypkema of PlaceEconomics in Washington, D.C., has made a name for himself by illustrating time and again the positive economic impacts of historic preser-vation. Rypkema reviewed his data for Georgia and noted that historic preservation projects offer immediate benefits to local economies by hiring skilled and unskilled workers, and that such projects rely on a labor force, not materials, for the bulk of their costs. Also, small, local businesses are more likely to come to a historic area, and a renovated historic building or neigh-borhood offers a perspective of our community’s identity that is increas-ingly lost in a globalizing economy and yet also has a more intangible positive impact on a community’s economy.

Social sustainability, a term intrigu-ing but unknown to many, was one focus of the symposium. The National Trust for Historic Preservation award-ed ACHF a grant for the symposium, in part because of the inclusion of the social sustainability focus, a ris-ing star in preservation. The term “social sustainability” refers to tak-ing into account what pressing social needs a community might face and

incorporating them into a building project. In Athens this could mean looking at education-related gaps or social-service needs and trying to ad-dress those needs when deciding what organizations or companies occupy a space.

Tom Liebel, an architect with Marks, Thomas Architects in Baltimore, Md., discussed an extremely impressive ex-ample of a socially sustainable project, Miller’s Court. The project addressed the need for affordable housing for Baltimore’s large number of Teach for America volunteers, the majority of whom worked in inner-city schools but could not afford the available safe, inner-city housing. The project also provided combined office space and resources for area nonprofits. In short, an abandoned industrial building be-came a wonderful community resource that benefited all concerned. Socially and economically beneficial. Liebel also emphasized the importance of having a knowledgeable development and design team and working closely with local officials to ease headaches down the road.

The economics of large-scale develop-ments can seem overwhelming and confusing, but Andrew Ham of Urban Trust LLC in Jacksonville, Fla., made this topic understandable and dare we say, approachable. Ham’s company specializes in finding tax credits and sources of funding for historic projects and putting together “packages” for owners and developers. Renovating an old mill benefits the larger community because, he said, it typically revitalizes an area that is outside the downtown core, like Southern Mills. These proj-ects, however, can also pose specific challenges, such as requiring innova-tive planning, zoning and/or building codes for an area that may have been

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outside a community’s focus for some time and perhaps even forsaken as a possibility for redevelopment. So, why do the projects work? Participants were surprised when Ham began ex-plaining just how much money one can “get back” by taking advantage of local, state and federal historic pres-ervation tax credits. On some projects benefits can amount to 50-60% of re-habilitation costs, a substantial sum for projects that typically cost in the tens of millions.

Myrick Howard, the last speaker of the day, is president of Preservation North Carolina, the statewide non-profit. North Carolina has a “mills bill” which provides enormous incentives for the rehabilitation of historic mill properties. (South Carolina, looking to their northerly neighbor, has adopted a similar tax incentive.) As a result, Howard has worked on the preserva-tion of dozens of mill rehabilitation projects, ranging from the renovation of the American Tobacco mill in down-town Durham to smaller projects in rural mill towns, often leading to the revitalization of these communities. He provided a bevy of “before” and “after” pictures showing how a kudzu-cov-ered mill house or a rotted-out brick structure can be transformed into a viable, thriving, economic engine.

Echoing what Andrew Hamm had been explaining only minutes before, Howard reiterated that it’s possible for a $24 million project to be cut in half, due to available tax credits.

At the end of the day, organizers distributed evaluation sheets to at-tendees, and two trends were evident from the responses. One, many began the day feeling dubious that there was any potential for the Southern Mills buildings, but, after seeing so many

before and after photos and digesting how such projects can be financed, many professed that they had become ‘believers’ and were excited about the amazing things the buildings could become. Two, most attendees were unaware of the magnitude of the tax credits and just how many differ-ent types of economic incentives are available.

FOLLOW-UP From Feb. 24-26, as a follow-up to the symposium, a team of students and faculty from UGA’s College of Environment and Design partnered with ACHF to explore redevelopment options for Southern Mills. The three-day collaborative design workshop, called a charrette, provided an oppor-tunity for public input on community needs that could best be served via the Southern Mill property; the char-rette team then incorporated these ideas into conceptual illustrations and plans.

Charrette team members looked at relevant case studies for mill rehabilita-tions and identified key characteristics of successful redevelopment projects. Taking into consideration the age, condition and restrictions on the prop-erty, while exploring creative funding options, team members researched additional funding strategies beyond preservation tax credits, such as film industry tax exemptions and subsi-dized housing credits. Participants also conducted analyses of things usch as walkability, demographics, and transportation options. Multiple re-development schemes were produced and illustrated with maps, conceptual master plans documents, and colorful vignettes. The full recommendations and plans developed during the char-rette will be made available by April 1. We’ll let you know when it’s ready!

H E R I T A G E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | P A G E 1 1

WHAT’S NEXTSo what happens now? The Feb. 4 symposium brought a lot of atten-tion to the 18-acre Southern Mills property, and listing agents, Barbara Dooley and Geoff Wilson, are excited about its potential. Wilson attended the symposium and also participated in the charrette process. “I can hon-estly say that I know much more about the property now than before,” he later said. “I think that after these events, there’s a much better chance — though not a guarantee — that we’ll find a buyer who will care about historic preservation of the mill and effective reuse of the property.”

The foundation is hoping to keep the momentum going and is talking with Billy Parrish, director of special projects for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, about bringing a team of development and financing experts to Athens to brainstorm about funding alternatives for the rehabili-tation of the property. The results of such an exercise would then be pre-sented to the public. Stay tuned.

And, finally, to all those who at-tended, thank you for your support and enthusiasm. More information on the symposium (including speaker presentations) can be found at achfon-line.org/preservationmatters.

The symposium was the third event in the “Preservation Matters” series this year, and our theme has been “Historic Preservation: Inherently Green.” The event was coordinated by the Preservation Matters subcom-mittee, under the ACHF Education Committee. Lisa Dore, Rosemarie Goodrum, and Amy Kissane planned and organized the event.

Photos by Charles Apostolik

Be a part of Athens by being a part of ACHF

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

comm

unity with everyone who walks, bikes or drives by.

What does m

y mem

bership do?

It works on many levels. It provides funding for educational

and comm

unity programs that happen throughout the year all

around Athens, including programs in schools, classes for scout

badges and the ever-popular series of Heritage Walks, which

showcase different historic neighborhoods around town. Your

mem

bership dollars also support ongoing programs that are a

part of the fabric of Athens, such as the Athens Welcom

e Center,

Classic City Tours and Hands On Athens — all program

s that

also support the local economy while fostering neighborhood

spirit.How can I join?

Visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org or call 706-353-1801.

“Preservation Matters” debuts in August as the Athens-Clarke

Heritage Foundation’s newest program, to annually consist of a

lecture, hands-on-workshop, symposium

and tour.

This year the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation will connect

the dots through programm

ing entitled “Historic Preservation-

Inherently Green,” showcasing experts who will help Athenians

save money and the environm

ent through better understand-

ing how historic properties function and contribute to a healthy

comm

unity.

– Inherently Green –

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Name: Marti SchimmelAge: 40 and loving it Profession: Owner, Marti’s at Midday - a cozy cafe on Prince Avenue

Describe your involvement with ACHF:

Caterer for more events than I can remember, tour chair a few times and board member 2009-2011.

How did you come to be involved with ACHF?

I got involved catering the galas when it was hosted at the State Botanical Garden back in the late 90s - seems like a million years ago. Laura Straehla was director and I was lucky enough to work with her and then have a wonderful friendship with her. I chaired a tour of homes or two and then was a board member until last year.

What is important to you about historic preservation?

Historic preservation keeps Athen’s history alive and makes it the cool place it is. And, you don’t have to spend a million dollars to be a preservationist. If you live or work in a historic building, you’re a preservationist because you’re keeping that place vibrant.

What Athens landmark sparks your passion for historic preservation?

The Leathers building. It is such a great example of preservation and renovation!

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Be a part of

by being a part of AthensACHF.

What does my membership do? It works on many levels. It provides funding for educational and community programs that happen throughout the year all around Athens, including programs in schools, classes for scout badges and the ever-popular series of Heritage Walks, which showcase different historic neighborhoods around town.

Your membership dollars also support ongoing programs that are a part of the fabric of Athens, such as the Athens Welcome Center, Classic City Tours and Hands On Athens — all programs that also support the local economy while fostering neighborhood spirit.

How can I join? Turn to Page 23 (the inside back page) for a membership form, or visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org.

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.

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The Camak House: Past, Present, and Future

Cresting a hill just east of the Cobbham Historic District, the former home is one of only a handful of examples of Federal architecture remaining in Athens. The painted brick structure rests on a raised basement with two floors above. Brick pilasters are located on each corner as well as on either side of the central bay on the north and south elevations, while ornate ironwork, an elliptical fan-light, and sidelights adorn the historic entrance on the north elevation. As one of the first homes built in the Prince Avenue area of Athens, the house origi-nally comprised a parcel that extended to Prince Avenue. Currently, the home rests on a parcel encompassing over half of the block bordered by Meigs, Finley, Hancock, and Newton streets.

The home bears the name of James Camak, a native South Carolinian who initially came to Athens in 1817 as a pro-fessor of mathematics at the University of Georgia. Camak remained at the

university for two years before marry-ing and moving to Milledgeville. Camak returned to Athens in 1833, where he played a major role in the founding of the Princeton Factory, the third textile mill in Clarke County. It was in 1833 that Camak began construction of his home. Camak’s illustrious career also included serving as director of the Branch Bank of Georgia and as a co-founder and president of the Georgia Railroad. Camak also experimented in agriculture, where his accomplishments ranged from the introduction of new va-rieties of grasses, plums, and grapes to serving as the head of the editorial department of the Southern Cultivator. The Camak House served as the back-drop for much of this activity, including a meeting in the home on March 10, 1834, when the charter for the Georgia Railroad was signed.

Camak passed away in 1847. The Camak family retained ownership of

Sealed bids are due May 1 in the auction for ownership of the Camak House, a locally designated historic landmark at 279 Meigs Street. Currently owned by the law firm Winburn, Barrow, and Lewis, the sale will open the way for a new chapter in the storied past of this Athens landmark.

by Ashley Baker Pruitt

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the home until 1947, when it was sold to the Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 22, F. & A.M. (Free and Accepted Masons). The Masons group made several alter-ations to the house’s interior in order to serve the needs of the organization. In 1975, while under the ownership of the Masons, the Camak House was list-ed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic and architectural significance. In 1979, the Masons sold the property to the Athens Coca-Cola Bottling Company under the direction of Albert Sams, a trustee of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. Sams intended for the house to be restored and used as an office for the adjacent bottling plant; however, after just five years, the Athens branch was sold to the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Enterprises. Coca-Cola assumed all assets of the Athens-based company, including the Camak House, and the home was left to deteriorate for many years. In 1993, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation was able to secure an option to buy the Camak House. Using money from the trust’s revolving fund, the Camak House was purchased and subsequent-ly sold to the current owners, Winburn, Lewis, and Barrow. Intent on restor-ing the home, the law firm hired S & W Development Corporation, an Athens-based contracting and development firm specializing in preservation work. Smith Wilson, the owner of S & W, re-stored the home to its original floor plan using detailed Historic American

Buildings Survey (HABS) drawings from 1936 (see drawings).

Though the uncertainty created by the upcoming sale has some local resi-dents concerned, the house is under the protection of local designations and covenants that will maintain the his-toric character of the property. While its inclusion on the National Register does not provide any protections, the Camak House is designated as a local historic landmark under the Athens Historic Preservation Ordinance. Designated in 1990, the Camak House and .648 acres surrounding the house are subject to Athens-Clarke County Design Guidelines. These guidelines re-quire that property owners apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness and un-dergo review by the Historic Preservation Commission for any planned changes or alterations to the property.

Additional protection includes cov-enants placed on the property by the Georgia Trust as a condition of the sale to Winburn, Lewis, and Barrow in 1993. The covenants apply to the entire parcel and include restrictions on the property’s use, subdivision, and land-scaping. The covenants also require that any alterations, additions, or new construction on the site be reviewed by the Georgia Trust. These covenants are attached to the property’s deed and the restrictions included in the covenant will transfer with the deed to any future purchaser of the property.

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2012 Preservation Awards: Foundation’s 2012 Annual Preservation Awards on June 4

Church-Waddel-Brumby House Restoration CommitteeSoliciting Nominations

Mark your calendar for our annual ACHF

Preservation Awards, which honor the best in

local preservation efforts. Know of a recent project

that should be recognized? The deadline for sub-

mission is April 20, and nomination forms, award

criteria and a slideshow of last year’s winners can

be found at www.achfonline.org.

The Church-Waddel-Brumby House Restoration Committee is also soliciting nominations for the Jeanné M. Downs Community Spirit Award. The award winner will be announced at the June 4 awards cere-mony. The Downs Award is given to recognize a member of the Athens area community who exemplifies the highest form of community spirit and love of com-munity through advocacy, dedication, devotion, and inspiration. If you would like more information or a nomination form, please e-mail Evelyn Reece at athen-swc@negia.net or Amy Kissane at achf@bellsouth.net.

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Athenaeum Club

Athenaeum Club Update

Want to stay updated? Find the Athenaeum Club on Facebook for announcements and upcoming events.

The Athenaeum Club hosted another suc-cessful event on Feb. 23 at the Bottleworks on Prince Avenue. It was a great way to warm up for an early spring and did not disappoint.

The tour was led by Smith Wilson, who developed the property (with fellow ACHF member Pam NeSmith), and co-owner, resident, and commercial space renter Bill Bushnell. Because he is so intimate-ly involved in this unique historic space, Bushnell was excited to share his knowl-edge and personal experiences concerning the redevelopment of the Bottleworks. Mr. Bushnell also welcomed the Athenaeum Club into his law firm office, allowing the group to see how businesses are using the historic factory spaces today. Wilson shared his expansive knowledge about the site’s original use as a Coca-Cola bottling facility. He also shared his experiences from the early 2000s, during

the redevelopment process. He explained some of the design choices he made, in response to the original structure, which may be overlooked by the casual observer. One example of these design adaptations is the presence of mesh terrace segments over the current parking areas, meant to represent the placement of the original factory enclosure.

After the tour, the group was invited into the home of Thom and Elizabeth Leonard for refreshments and fellowship. The look inside their beautiful condo was the perfect ending to the Athenaeum event, allowing the group to see a residential por-tion of the development.

As always, the tour was a great success. Don’t miss the next Athenaeum event and your chance to meet new preservation-minded people and learn more about the local history of Athens.

by Rebecca Powers

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Yuletide greetingsWinter event caps successful year for ACHF

Athenians turned out in droves for Yuletide on University, the festive holi-day event benefiting the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. Alison and David Abernathy, Tracy and Brent Crymes, Donna and Bill Hopper, and Hart and Shooter Roberts, opened their beauti-fully decorated homes with good cheer. Revelers strolled in fabulous weather along University Drive, going from home to home with their friends and neighbors and stopping to browse the generous do-nations in the silent auction tent. The event was very successful and helped to spread a sense of appreciation for the value of Athens’ historic neighborhoods.

“When I first started thinking about the winter gala, after agreeing to be the Special Events Chair, I thought, ‘Why not make the event a doorway for more Athenians to enter into historic pres-ervation?’” said Alex Sams. “The door was opened for me when I was a child, but a lot of folks don’t know they have a love for historic homes and build-ings. Fortunately I was able to claim the ‘rights’ to new board member Cheri Leavy and Georgia Trust board member Greta Covington. They saw the same

opportunity that I saw to increase inter-est in preservation and new faces just kept signing up.”

Sams and committee made sure to make a distinction between this event and oth-er events involving opening up houses. “I kept saying, the Gala is not a tour of homes; it’s a party in four homes and a place for old and new to get to know each other.” The Yuletide on University Winter Gala brought in over 300 people and raised a profit of over $20,000. “Now we must follow up on the great success and continue to spark new interest. We already have a neighborhood ask-ing to host the Gala next December and people wanting to be a host committee contributor.”

The event’s success was in large part due to the generous businesses that donated food and auction items as well as the fab-ulous host committee. Marti Schimmel, hospitality chair of the event, shined as the brightest star on this night with her tireless efforts to recruit the finest res-taurants and caterer, including her own Marti’s at Midday, to create the most wonderful spread of food at each home.

by Cheri Leavy

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The foundation expresses its sincere thanks to the event sponsors and committees.

Host CommitteeAlison and David Abernathy

Diane and Buck AdamsTanya and Kevin Adams

Carol and Jeff BishopSupriya and Steve Chesser

Frieda and Jim ClarkeGreta and Stephen Covington

Tracy and Brent Crymes

Rabun and Drew DekleSarah and Jud DohertyKatherine and Bertis Downs

Sandy and David Dwyer

Ann and Joe FriersonLisa and Joe FriersonLucy and Jim GillisDonna and Bill HopperLisa and Greg IrvinJohn KnowltonErika and Ricky LaneCheri and Vance LeavyTammy and Duke Lindsay

Becky and David Matheny

Patti and Ted McWhorter

Katherine and Matt Moseley

Cullen and Patrick O’Steen

Sarah and Chris Peterson

Kim and Michael RippsHart and Shooter Roberts

Eleanor and Alex SamsLori and Tom ScottCarrie and Eric SewellLacy and Frank Sinkwich

Sue and Mark Williams

Event SponsorsBarron’s Rental CenterBurman Printingguide2athensMarti’s at Midday

Food and Beverage DonorsBig City Bread Cecilia Villaveces CakesEast West BistroEpting EventsFive & TenHome.Made CateringJittery Joe’sJ’s Bottle ShopLa Dolce VitaLumpkin CaféMarti’s at MiddayPhicklesSilver Lining Cupcake Co.

Tammy Hester Cheesecakes

The GritThe Last ResortThe NationalTrader JoesTrumps

Event CommitteeGreta Covington and Cheri Leavy, Co-chairs

Alex Sams, Chair, Special Events Committee

Breckyn AlexanderMercer BrockenbroughAbby DenhamLisa FiscusPeggy GalisNicholas MallisDavid MathenyKim RippsStephen RosenbergMarti Schimmel

YuletideUniversityon

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Yuletide Recap

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2012 marks the 13th year for ACHF’s Hands On Athens program, which carried out its first Spring work weekend in April of 2000 by making repairs to three houses in the vicinity of West Hancock Avenue and Chase Street.

This Spring HOA will work on a dozen homes the weekend of April 13th, 14th and 15th, providing free maintenance, repairs and landscaping improvements for low-income homeowners in the historic Hancock Corridor, East Athens and Newtown neighborhoods.

HOA is funded by a Community Development Block Grant through ACC Human and Economic Development and by private donations. Most of HOA’s work is completed by several hundred unskilled and semi-skilled volunteers; HOA also depends on the community spirit of several outstanding contractors, builders and landscape professionals who donate their services and coordinate efforts at the various houses during work weekends.

Work to be undertaken this Spring includes porch repair; roof repair and replacement; siding repair; door and window repair and replacement; kitchen cabinet repair; handicapped ramp repair; exterior painting; and landscaping. Anyone interested in volunteering during one or more work shifts of the April 13-15 project weekend should contact HOA Administrator John Kissane at 706-353-1801 or hoathens@bellsouth.net.

This Spring, HOA is especially in need of SKILLED VOLUNTEERS, given that much of the work being planned requires experienced personnel. One or two “house captains” will be needed at each work location, as well as a others with carpentry and home repair skills.

HOA Target Neighborhood Inventory Progressing!Also this Spring, four graduate students in UGA’s Master of Historic Preservation program are providing invaluable volunteer assistance with an inventory of HOA’s three target neighborhoods. Data and photographs produced from the sizeable project will be analyzed and mapped this summer and subsequently utilized for HOA future strategizing, including an anticipated HOA planning retreat this coming fall.

HANDS on ATHENSby John Kissane, HOA Administrator

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Athenaeum Club Events: Check Facebook or send e-mail to athenaeumclub@gmail.com for upcoming dates.

DAY DATE NAME PLACE April 13-15 Hands On Athens Register at Old Fire Hall #2Tuesday April 24 Spring Fun-n-Friends Buena Vista NeighborhoodSaturday May 5 Preservation Matters Green Bike Tour start at BikeAthens HQ May TBD Athenaeum Club Tour L. M. Leathers Building Monday June 4 Preservation Awards & Annual Meeting Morton Theatre

SPR

ING

Old Preservation and History Magazines to Be Recycled - Stake your Claim Now!

ACHF has a treasure trove of old preservation magazines that we will be recycling in the near future. They include the Preservation magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Old House Journals, Athens Magazine, and a few others. Please let us know if you might be interested in looking through them before we dispose of them. Call Amy at 706-353-1801 or e-mail at achf@bellsouth.net.

Serving Athens and the

surrounding area with fresh spring water

from the mountains of North Georgia.

706-369-1486

Advertise in Heritage and reach hundreds who care

about Athens

Full-page ad: $150Half-page ad: $100

Quarter-page ad: $50

Questions? E-mail Kristen Morales at

kristenbmorales@gmail.com.

Your ad will also appear in the full-color version of the

newsletter on ACHF’s website!

Membership RatesAll 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.

I would like to become a member at the following level:

I would like to increase my support by joining at a higher level:

$100 Sustainer

$250 Donor [Basic package plus a 10% discount at

the Athens Welcome Center Gift Shop]

$500 Supporter [Above plus two Classic City Tours tickets;

one ticket to Heritage Holiday Gala]

$1,000 Patron [Above plus two tickets to Heritage

Holiday Gala]

$2,500 Preserver [Basic plus 10% discount at Welcome

Center Gift Shop; four Classic City Tours tickets & four Heritage Gala tickets]

Thank you for Protecting the Past for the Future.

$30 Student $50 Individual $75 Family

Looking to volunteer?Check here if you would like to talk to someone at ACHF about volunteer opportunities such as membership, special events, education, tours, Hands On Athens, preservation awards, PR/marketing, fundraising, newsletter, mailings, etc.

These programs depend on your support… thank you.

Community EngagementAthens High & Industrial School MarkerBen Epps Commemorative StatueBuena Vista Local Historic District Initiative

Navy Supply Corps School Transfer

Heritage EducationAthens Area Realtors WorkshopsAthens Heritage Walks Guided ToursHeritage NewsletterHistoric Property Owners WorkshopsLocal Lore Girl Scout Badge

Tour of HomesHistoric Properties and MuseumsAthens Historic House Museum Association

Church-Waddel-Brumby House MuseumHistoric Fire Hall No. 2Ware-Lyndon House Museum

Membership EventsAthenaeum ClubFun-n-FriendsHeritage Holiday GalaAnnual Meeting

Ongoing ProgramsAthens Welcome CenterClassic City ToursFaçade EasementsHands On AthensHistoric Preservation Revolving FundAnnual Historic Preservation Awards

To join, complete the following information and return with payment to:

ACHF, 489 Prince Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30601Name Address E-mail Phone

Payment Type: Enclosed Check Credit Card

Card number Expiration Date

Name on Card

Contact us at 706-353-1801 or achf@bellsouth.net

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