Historical Commission Addresses City Improvements
By Kate Copsey / STAFF
The agenda for the monthly meeting of the Roswell Historical Preservation Commission included just three items for discussion. The seven society members, headed by Mr. Richard Hallberg, faced a quiet group of 10 members of the public.
The Chandlery and Restaurant
First up on the agenda was the new design for the Chandlery on Canton Street. Currently this is a gift shop with large glass windows, and it was obviously not Zachery Henderson’s first appearance, as he indicated the changes requested had been made to the design.
The discussion largely centered around a small square of cloth that would be used for the awning on the building and the bohemian entrance to the building. The square was deemed suitable. The large, elongated arch above the door however was still very questionable. Henderson argued that arches appeared above other doors on Canton Street, and he wanted one too. Judy Meers, who had a pen in hand, sketched an alternative, and perhaps more appropriate arch for him to work with.
Next came a discussion of the flower pots lined up outside. Ralph Liss wanted some vertical element such as a tree in these small pots. He was told that trees were too large, so the horticulturally inclined Liss came up with vines such as Confederate Jasmine that could clamber over the windows. This was rejected too, as it would impair proper cleaning of the windows.
Finally the Chandlery was approved contingent on all those little details being attended to.
Barrington Hall
The next item to discuss was the proposed steps to Historic Barrington Hall. These would allow visitors to enter from the northeast side of the property, close to the town square. The plans for the steps, which were presented as an artist’s rendition rather than as building plans, were obviously confusing to Richard Hallberg, who thought that the pedestrians were being dumped right into the middle of Marietta Highway. After five minutes of intense questioning, the problem was resolved when Meers kindly pointed out that he was looking at the drawing upside down.
With the drawing sorted, the discussion then pointed to the rather obvious problem of safety. The corner of Barrington Hall is where State Route 9 and Marietta Highway join. This fast highway and swiftly turning traffic is not conducive to foot traffic.
As this was only an introduction to the steps, approval was given to proceed with official designs.
Demolition of 120 Bulloch Ave.
Discussion of the demolition of the house at 120 Bulloch Avenue started with a general discussion of what would be put into the freed space once the demolition is complete. The zoning is currently for mixed use, so the plans potentially include shops, housing and offices. The design, as given, included parking and a driveway into Bulloch Hall to use as overflow parking.
Ann Reddick, who helped present the project, wants to return Bulloch Avenue to more palatial and fitting mansions. The current small homes, some of which have been turned into businesses, are out of keeping with the grandeur of Bulloch Hall according to Reddick.
Liss was concerned about the angle of sight that revolves around a vista of a 60°angle. The hedges and berms, were not liked particularly because they did not allow for this historically appropriate angle of sight.
Overall though, after much discussion of details it was decided that the intensions were honorable and the problem of demolition could be approached.
At issue was whether the structure, as is, was historically significant or not. Liss was opposed to eradicating a structure purely because it was rather old, small and dowdy. On further inquiry though it seems the 1940’s house was altered and extended in such a way as to make the architecture historically insignificant.
With very little discussion, the demolition was unanimously agreed to, contingent on the approval of the final designs.
Naturally Reddick was delighted. “We worked for two years getting this right,” she said, and thus was optimistic that the order would be approved. The decision could be a precedent and clear the way for the demolition of the other small, altered and totally inappropriate houses along Bulloch Avenue.
Mill Village and 100 South Atlanta Street Redevelopment
The rendition of the development proposal at the Mill Village and South Atlanta Street, which includes a hotel, condominiums, parking and shopping areas, was deemed much improved compared to previous attempts.