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Atlanta’s Historic Treasures Unveiled with Dendrochronology

View of historic buildings in Atlanta with tree rings overlay.

News Summary

In a groundbreaking project by Cobb Landmarks and the University of West Georgia, dendrochronology will reveal the construction dates of Atlanta’s iconic historic buildings. Initially focusing on notable structures like Rich’s department store and Brumby Hall, the project explores potential insights into the age of the Power-Jackson Cabin. Alongside this, Atlanta’s Glenn Building celebrates its 100th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of architectural preservation amid modern developments. As local efforts continue, the city faces challenges from endangered historic sites, highlighting the need for ongoing preservation initiatives.

Atlanta’s Historic Treasures Unveiled: Dendrochronology Takes Center Stage

In a captivating collaboration, Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society has joined forces with the University of West Georgia to embark on an enthralling project that aims to unveil the construction dates of Atlanta’s historic buildings through a fascinating technique known as dendrochronology. This method, which simply involves counting tree rings, seeks to shed light on the age of some of the city’s oldest structures, a task that has not been undertaken on a large scale in Atlanta before.

Project Overview

The project will kick off by examining approximately six notable buildings in downtown Atlanta. Among them are the iconic Rich’s department store, Brumby Hall, and the charming Mimosa Hall. Additionally, the initiative seeks to gather further insights into the Power-Jackson Cabin, a structure that has recently made its way to a farm in Cobb County. Identifying whether the Power-Jackson Cabin is truly the oldest standing structure in Cobb County holds significant historical value.

Atlanta’s Glenn Building: A Century of History

This year marks a significant milestone, as the Glenn Building in downtown Atlanta celebrates its 100th anniversary. Originally built in 1923, this remarkable structure has a rich history, having served as the home to the Glenn Hotel, Atlanta’s very first boutique hotel, since 2006. The Glenn Building, designed by architect Waddy B. Wood, showcases stunning Neoclassical Revival-style architecture and is a testament to resilience, having survived the intense destruction during Union General Sherman’s infamous burning of Atlanta.

The property also has strong ties to Atlanta’s heritage, as it was once owned by Major Hamilton Goode, a Confederate Army officer, and later purchased by John Thomas Glenn, the city’s mayor from 1858 to 1860. Thanks to preservationists, the Glenn Building was rescued from the brink of demolition in 1986 and was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Recent Renovations and Attractions

The Glenn Hotel recently underwent an extensive renovation completed in 2022. Managed by Legacy Ventures since its acquisition in 2018, the hotel boasts the acclaimed Glenn’s Kitchen restaurant and the breathtaking rooftop venue, SkyLounge. Conveniently located near major attractions like State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the hotel draws visitors eager to bask in Atlanta’s vibrant history.

Celebrating Atlanta’s Heritage

Kicking off on March 3, the Atlanta Preservation Center‘s “Phoenix Flies” event will shine a spotlight on the city’s historic structures through over 150 free events. These events will include tours, talks, and interactive experiences that celebrate Atlanta’s rich heritage and emphasize the importance of preservation efforts.

Preservation Challenges Ahead

Unfortunately, not all historical sites are safe from the threat of demolition. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has released its “2025 Places in Peril” list, which highlights endangered historic sites. This includes a nearly century-old building in Atlanta that is slated for demolition and the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, which is in urgent need of funding to preserve its valuable historical collection.

Among the at-risk structures is the Edgewood building, a former substation for the Georgia Railway and Power Company built in 1926. Despite its historical significance, Georgia State University holds current demolition permits for the site, a situation that poses a serious threat to this piece of Atlanta’s heritage.

Conclusion

As Atlanta continues to uncover the secrets of its past through innovative approaches like dendrochronology, it stands at a crossroads of preserving its history and welcoming new developments. The efforts being made by local organizations signal a commitment to honor and protect the city’s unique architectural heritage for future generations.