The standoff between historic preservation and urban development is heating up in Roswell, where a pre-Civil War building is at risk of demolition. The erstwhile Old Methodist Church, erected in 1859 and currently housing the Masonic Lodge, is caught in the crosshairs of a city project that could see it replaced with a pedestrian plaza and walkways linked to a new parking deck. Despite the city's claim of a deep commitment to preserving Roswell's historic treasures, former mayor Jere Wood and other locals have expressed outrage over the plans.
At a recent city council meeting, emotions ran high as Wood, who served Roswell for two decades, vehemently opposed the move to potentially bulldoze the building. "It's a part of Roswell's history. It was built by the founders of Roswell. Barrington King gave this property to the church," Wood told FOX 5 Atlanta. Many residents appear to strongly disagree with the city's decision, with Pam Nitzken, one Roswell citizen, arguing that the lodge should not be displaced due to the parking deck's construction, as reported by the same source.
Judy Meer, President of the Roswell Historical Society, echoed the sentiments of preservationists in a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta. "Saving our history is really, really important to me, it is the character of our town. It's why we all love living here," Meer emphasized. Meanwhile, a petition aiming to halt the church's destruction has quickly amassed over 500 signatures, indicating a profound community push to safeguard the site.
The city, however, remains firm in its stance. After the city council meeting, officials released a statement asserting the importance of the property at 1054 and 1056 Alpharetta Street for the realization of their transportation-related public usage plans. "The acquisition of the property located at 1054 and 1056 Alpharetta Street is crucial for transportation-related public uses," the city conveyed, as reported by Atlanta News First. This includes the anticipated parking deck and new walkways, which the city claims will significantly enhance pedestrian safety and downtown connectivity.
Despite this, council member Sarah Beeson was the lone opposing vote in the acquisition, questioning the necessity of the seize, as per her comments in an Atlanta News First interview. "There is a very high litmus test that we as elected officials and the government have to hold and I don’t know that it met my need for why we would need to essentially seize private property," said Beeson. The former mayor, Wood, also remains hopeful that the building can be integrated into the city’s development plans, suggesting a compromise that would maintain the church's historical integrity while progressing with the city's enhancements.
