Frustration over apathy (Atlanta, Carrollton: houses, buyer, theater)

[JC84]

A new buyer out of South Carolina has bought the historic Maple St Mansion in Carrollton. It was built in 1890 by the Mandeville family and was th first house in Carrollton with running water. I've heard that lady Mandeville convinced the union army to spare it when they were in the area.

Now a demolition permit has been issued, based on if repairs needed will be too costly. Channel 2 came out today to meet with sign-wielding anti-demolition protestors. Over 8,000 people joined a "Save the Mansion" Facebook group, but only 15 of us actually showed up. I realize today is a work day but still, 15 people is a pathetic turn out.

Does no one care enough to stand up for history anymore?

[MattCW]

Where do we draw the line though? I'm sure you could fix it so every building ever built is "historic" in some fashion and wind up never being able to build anything new. I don't see being the first with running water in the city as being particularly historic. Save the fixtures and some of the piping, sure, but to keep the entirety of the structure, which really has very little to do with the plumbing is a bit much.

[ericsonga]

Originally Posted by JC84

A new buyer out of South Carolina has bought the historic Maple St Mansion in Carrollton. It was built in 1890 by the Mandeville family and was th first house in Carrollton with running water. I've heard that lady Mandeville convinced the union army to spare it when they were in the area.

Now a demolition permit has been issued, based on if repairs needed will be too costly. Channel 2 came out today to meet with sign-wielding anti-demolition protestors. Over 8,000 people joined a "Save the Mansion" Facebook group, but only 15 of us actually showed up. I realize today is a work day but still, 15 people is a pathetic turn out.

Does no one care enough to stand up for history anymore?

The Union army was out burning houses in 1890??

If this is the house that I'm thinking of it was used as a nightclub. I actually went there a couple times in college. If memory serves me correctly the inside has been heavily remodeled and there wasn't much historic left inside. Also, it was in pretty rough shape. I doubt the house is really salvageable. I love old buildings, but not every one needs/should be saved.

[CCATL]

Originally Posted by MattCW

Where do we draw the line though? I'm sure you could fix it so every building ever built is "historic" in some fashion and wind up never being able to build anything new. I don't see being the first with running water in the city as being particularly historic. Save the fixtures and some of the piping, sure, but to keep the entirety of the structure, which really has very little to do with the plumbing is a bit much.

I think there should be a line for what is "historic", but I'm pretty sure being built in 1890 qualifies. Although, I'm not sure how the Union Army spared it if it was built in 1890 - Civil War was 1860s - the Union was back together, and the army shouldn't have been burning anything at that point. Anyway, it is sad to see something that is well over 100 years old be destroyed. A google search of the Maple Street Mansion pulls up a number of results, meaning it is probably significant for the town. Personally, I think this is worth putting up a fight to save, and hopefully it is not deemed irreparable.

[JC84]

Originally Posted by CCATL

I think there should be a line for what is "historic", but I'm pretty sure being built in 1890 qualifies. Although, I'm not sure how the Union Army spared it if it was built in 1890 - Civil War was 1860s - the Union was back together, and the army shouldn't have been burning anything at that point. Anyway, it is sad to see something that is well over 100 years old be destroyed. A google search of the Maple Street Mansion pulls up a number of results, meaning it is probably significant for the town. Personally, I think this is worth putting up a fight to save, and hopefully it is not deemed irreparable.

You're right, duh I completely got my facts mixed up. Lady Mandeville got them to spare another earlier house on the property that was later destroyed.

Nevertheless, it's worth keeping-- Atlanta has enough newer structures, strip malls, etc. once these beautiful buildings are gone, they're gone forever

[boo radley]

What if the renovations are too expensive? Doesn't the new owner have the choice and right to do what they want with his/her property? I love older structures and really appreciate the craftsmanship and history of them, but renovations on older homes and buildings can really be costly. (been through the whole "money pit" thing)

But looking at the picture, I hope the home can be spared and return to its former historic glory. I agree that we tear down way too many historic buildings and we need to conserve more. Anyone remember the time when they were trying to tear down THE FOX THEATER. The "save the Fox" campaign really worked and thank God it did!

[ElleKaye]

If this were an important issue to me, I'd spend less time picketing and more time fund raising. Your beef is with the new owner and if money is the potential problem then give her some with an agreement of course.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by JC84

A new buyer out of South Carolina has bought the historic Maple St Mansion in Carrollton. It was built in 1890 by the Mandeville family and was th first house in Carrollton with running water. I've heard that lady Mandeville convinced the union army to spare it when they were in the area.

[Newsboy]

Well, it's not a particularly attractive house IMO ... the fact that half the front yard is a parking lot and there's a water tower in the back doesn't help. But I'm one of those people who thinks ALL historic structures should be saved, it at all possible, just because we've lost far too many over the years for no good reason, and people always look back and regret the decision to destroy them.

But again, that water may have already passed under the bridge. If this home was so historic and worth preserving, why hasn't anybody tried to do something about it before now? Why hasn't the city or the local historic society stepped in to fight for it before now? Why was it allowed to be gutted on the inside and used as a nightclub?

Doesn't sound like this house has gotten much respect ...

[PT 3000]

Originally Posted by CCATL

I think there should be a line for what is "historic", but I'm pretty sure being built in 1890 qualifies. Although, I'm not sure how the Union Army spared it if it was built in 1890 - Civil War was 1860s - the Union was back together, and the army shouldn't have been burning anything at that point. Anyway, it is sad to see something that is well over 100 years old be destroyed. A google search of the Maple Street Mansion pulls up a number of results, meaning it is probably significant for the town. Personally, I think this is worth putting up a fight to save, and hopefully it is not deemed irreparable.

That picture looks like a spooky old funeral home