Roswell Awarded Federal Historic Preservation Grant

ROSWELL, GA -- The city of Roswell is among several Georgia cities that will receive federal grants exceeding $90,000 to support historic preservation efforts in their communities, the Georgia Historic Preservation Division said Monday.

The 2017 Historic Preservation Fund grants facilitate historic preservation planning initiatives and projects such as historic resource surveys, outreach efforts and bricks-and-mortar projects throughout the state.

The grants are provided each year through the Historic Preservation Fund of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service and are administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Roswell will receive $17,050, which will be used to conduct an updated historic resources survey of its Historic District.

“This survey is important for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that all preservation activities — from National Register of Historic Places nominations to municipal or county historic preservation ordinances to basic preservation advocacy — begin with knowing what historic resources exist in our municipality,” said Julie Martin, Roswell city planner and historic preservation specialist.

Roswell has grown significantly since its last historic resources survey was conducted in 2000–2001, so this survey will provide a useful inventory accounting for changes in the built environment, fluctuating city boundaries and advances in technology, such as GIS mapping and digital photography, the city adds.

“And since so many years have passed since the city’s last survey, more of the city’s buildings have aged and could possibly be identified as ‘historic,’” Martin added.

Other recipients include Atlanta, Hampton, Toccoa, Avondale Estates, Dublin and Rome

Georgia's Historic Preservation Division serves as the state's historic preservation office. Its mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia. Programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance.

Photo: Barrington Hall. Credit: city of Roswell