Signs are popping up all over Canton Street in Roswell. They’re hard to miss. “Save Roswell’s History,” they proclaim in bold letters. But what’s the story behind these ubiquitous placards?
The answer lies in a heated battle over a $20 million parking deck that threatens to destroy a historic structure.
The building in question? The Roswell Masonic Lodge. It’s not just an old building. It’s a structure that’s been standing since 1859. Originally built as the Roswell Methodist Church, it’s survived the Civil War, the Great Depression, and countless other historical events.
The lodge was built by Barrington King. For those of you who may not know, that would be Roswell King’s son. Roswell King is the founder of the city of Roswell — that should tell you how deep this building’s roots go. It is quite literally a part of Roswell itself.
The city of Roswell wants to tear it down. Why? To make way for a new parking deck and pedestrian plaza. City officials say it’s necessary for the town’s growth. According to the city’s plans, the Masonic Lodge property isn’t actually part of the parking deck itself, but would be torn down for surface parking outside the parking deck.
But not everyone’s buying it. A group called Save Roswell’s History is fighting back. They’ve gathered over 860 signatures on a petition. They’ve organized public forums. They’re the ones behind those signs you’ve been seeing.
Former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood is leading the charge. Wood, who has always been a champion of Roswell’s character and history says he plans to turn up the heat until the city gets out of the kitchen.
The city’s not backing down. On April 8, the Roswell City Council voted 5-1 to use eminent domain to acquire the lodge. They’ve already deposited $3.4 million as compensation for the property. The lone voice of dissent in the eminent domain land grab was City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson.
The preservationists are proposing alternative uses for the building. A visitor’s center, perhaps. Or maybe a permanent home for the Roswell Historical Society or returning it to the Masons as a Masonic Lodge.
Questions to Consider:
- What alternatives to demolition has the city seriously considered?
- How will the loss of this historic building impact Roswell’s tourism industry?
- What legal recourse, if any, do preservationists have now that eminent domain has been invoked?
Go Deeper:
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