Group Launches Drive To Save Historic Buildings

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The Cherokee County Historical Society has embarked on a fundraising campaign to help save two well-known buildings in Canton’s central business district in danger of being demolished.

The Cherokee County Historical Society is spearheading efforts to save Building A, the former textile mill offices, and Building B, the former Canton Grammar School. Both buildings, owned by the Cherokee County School Board, could possibly be razed to make way for a new administrative complex for the school district.

Residents can visit the historical society’s Paypal account to make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks can also be mailed to: Cherokee County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1287, Canton, GA 30169.

If the organization is unable to acquire the buildings, donations over $500 will be refunded unless directed otherwise; donations under $500 will be redirected for the preservation of other endangered historic buildings in Cherokee County, the historical society said on its Facebook page.

The historical society refers to the buildings as “monumental symbols of Canton’s investment in education and history.”

“Generations of families attended the grammar school or worked in the mill, creating a lasting legacy for Canton’s future,” the nonprofit wrote in its social media message.

The school board earlier this month tabled consideration of plans to demolish both buildings to give district staff time to weigh other options, including a possible land swap proposal set forth by the city of Canton.

In its decision to postpone, the board also directed Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo and district staff to schedule a design impact meeting with the project’s architect and one representative each from the Canton City Council, the Canton Downtown Development Authority and the historical society.

Any suggested ideas could be incorporated into future design plans as long as they do not increase the project’s cost or draw out the project’s time frame.

The board also directed staff to ”do due diligence” and enter into negotiations with the city of Canton for a possible land swap proposed by the city. City leaders have offered to give the school board land along Bluffs Parkway north of the Cherokee County Administration Building in exchange for the property that house both Buildings A and B.

District staff will report back with those results at the March 19 meeting during an executive session that will be held before the regular meeting.

Additionally, board members authorized Petruzielo to advertise and accept sealed bids for the purchase of Buildings A and B and the property they sit on. Building A sits at the corner of West Main and Academy Streets while Building B sits at the corner of Academy and Archer streets.

What Should You Read Next?

• School Board Postpones Demolition of Historic Buildings
• Merchants To Canton: Encourage School Board To Remain Downtown
• School Board To Consider Offer To Purchase Buildings A and B
• School District Releases Rendering of New Administrative Building
• Historical Society: BOE Has “Obligation” To Safeguard Historic Assets
• Petruzielo: Not in Taxpayer’s “Best Interest” To Renovate Buildings
• Petition Created To Save Historic Canton Buildings
• Group Wants School Board To Integrate Historic Buildings Into Office Plans
• Petruzielo: Replace Former Canton Mill Office, Grammar School Buildings

Photo 1: Building B. Credit: Alison Payne

Photo 2: Building A. Credit: Cherokee County Historical Society