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Historic Sites in Atlanta at Risk of Destruction

Collage of endangered historic sites in Atlanta.

News Summary

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has released its 2025 ‘Places in Peril’ list, highlighting ten endangered historic sites, including two from the Atlanta area. Efforts to preserve these valuable landmarks are crucial as they represent our shared history. The list aims to raise awareness about threats such as demolition and neglect, urging the community to take action before these irreplaceable sites are lost.

Atlanta, Georgia: Vital Historic Sites in Jeopardy

Here in Atlanta, the preservation of our rich history is more crucial than ever. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has just unveiled its highly-anticipated “Places in Peril” list for 2025, marking a significant 20th edition of this annual call to action. This year, the list highlights a total of ten endangered historic sites across the Peach State, including several local treasures that are in dire need of support.

Why the List Matters

The “Places in Peril” list serves as an essential tool to raise awareness about historic, archaeological, and cultural resources that are threatened by various factors such as demolition, neglect, and inappropriate development. It sheds light on places that tell the stories of our past, reminding us of their importance in shaping the community and enriching our lives.

The hope is that by bringing attention to these fragile sites, we can ignite a movement toward preservation and restoration. As we dive into this year’s list, it’s important to remember that saving these locations means saving our shared history.

Local Treasures at Risk

Among the ten sites listed for 2025, two are from the metro Atlanta area, and four can be found within the Channel 2 Action News coverage zone. These sites include:

148 Edgewood Avenue (Atlanta) – This historic building from 1926 is currently facing the looming threat of demolition as plans evolve around Georgia State University.
Buckhead Town Hall and Jail (Buckhead) – Built in 1910, this charming site is suffering from severe neglect and structural damage, calling for immediate attention.

In addition to these local sites, the list also features other precious locations at risk, including:

Collier-Toomer House (Savannah) – This vacant historic home, built in 1938, is facing redevelopment plans that pose a serious risk to its future.
Crossroads Rosenwald School (Dixie) – One of the few remaining Rosenwald Schools, this site is increasingly endangered due to ongoing neglect.
Gaissert Homeplace (Williamson) – Constructed in 1827, this historic home was recently sold to a developer with plans for commercial development.
Historic Nicholsonboro Baptist Church (Savannah) – Founded in 1850, the church is struggling to keep up with maintenance amid an aging congregation.
Miami Valley Peach Packing Barn (Fort Valley) – A historic barn from the early 1900s, currently deteriorating due to surrounding development.
Powell Opera House (Blakely) – Once a bustling space for performances, this building is now calling for rehabilitation as it falls into disrepair.
Historic Rock House (Thomson) – Known as the oldest stone house in Georgia, built in 1795, it faces challenges from vandalism and a lack of funding for preservation efforts.
Southeastern Railway Museum (Duluth) – With a remarkable collection, this railway museum is in need of funds to ensure its preservation into the future.

Taking Action

As the Georgia Trust continues to advocate for these sites, they also provide educational programs, technical assistance, and pursue crucial funding to promote preservation efforts. They manage two house museums—the beautifully restored Rhodes Hall in Atlanta and the Hay House in Macon—providing inspiration on what can be achieved with commitment and community support.

This year’s list is a reminder that history is not merely a collection of dates and facts; it’s about the stories and experiences those locations embody. By coming together as a community, we can help find solutions to preserve our precious heritage for generations to come. The clock is ticking, and it’s up to us to take action before these irreplaceable sites are lost forever.