Historical Society Will Bid on Former Grammar School, Cotton Mill Office

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The Cherokee County Historical Society on Friday said it’s experienced a “successful launch” of its Historic Landmarks Campaign Fund, an initiative tasked with preserving the former Canton Grammar School and Cotton Mill Offices — known as Buildings B and A, respectively.

Both buildings, owned by the Cherokee County School Board, have been recommended for demolition by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo. In their place would include a new, 75,000-square-foot administration building the school district said will serve the needs of its employees and its operations.

At their meeting on February 5, however, the school board voted to delay demolition in order to consider other options, including sale of the property.

Noting it appreciates the school board’s “willingness to consider these alternatives,” the Historical Society said it will submit a bid to purchase the property and preserve the two structures using the funds raised from the campaign.

The school board on March 19 is set to decide whether to demolish both buildings or accept a bid to purchase the structures.

“The Historical Society is confident that with the help of the community, sufficient funds will be raised to purchase and stabilize the buildings,” the organization said.

The nonprofit added the campaign over the course of two weeks “succeeded” in its goal to raise the necessary funding needed to put the required down payment to accompany its bid. Additionally, previous capital campaigns by the Historical Society have raised $650,000, which went to the rehabilitation of the Crescent Farm Rock Barn and the purchase of the adjoining property, the Historical Society added.

Residents can still donate towards the society’s campaign by visiting the organization’s website or mailing a a donation to P.O. Box 1287, Canton, GA 30169. Unless otherwise noted, donations over $500 will be refunded if the organization is unable to purchase the buildings and will be directed towards the preservation of other historic buildings in Cherokee County.

For more information, contact Executive Director Stefanie Joyner at 770-345-3288 or sjoyner@rockbarn.org.

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

Image via Shutterstock