If you go
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
When: today and Sunday.
Information: www.mariettapilgrimage.com or 770-429-1115.
Marietta is known for its neighborhoods of stately old homes, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While having that designation is an honor, it’s not a protection strong enough to stop an owner who wants to raze an antebellum mansion.
Marietta’s Historic Preservation Committee, formed to identify and support efforts to save the area’s significant structures, recently spearheaded the effort to create a local ordinance with the power to protect and preserve the city’s often one-of-a-kind properties.
“Even though there are several National Register districts here, there were no local ones, so an historic preservation committee was formed about seven years ago to create an ordinance,” said David Freedman, who chairs that committee. “Our primary charge is to create local districts.”
Having a local ordinance is key to preserving the city’s housing heritage, Freedman explained. “The National Register doesn’t really give you any protection, but the local ordinance protects the homeowners from someone making incompatible renovations or even tearing a property down.”
The city recently created its first local historic district along Kennesaw Avenue, where 14 homes are located. Property owners there must now apply for and receive a certificate of appropriateness from the preservation committee before making major changes to a facade - an issue that often sounds like a property rights issue, said Freedman.
“A lot of people might view it that way,” he said, “but by giving up some rights, you gain some protections you wouldn’t usually have.”
The process of establishing the local district started with a complete study and survey of the area and its historical significance. It also included a vote by homeowners that needed a 60 percent majority to pass. Homeowners Florrie and Jim Corley were among those who voted yes.
“We were delighted that it passed,” said Jim Corley, who has lived in an 1882 Victorian on the street since 1959. “We just wish the district would get bigger. But at least 14 houses is a start.”
Freedman said the committee focused its initial efforts on Kennesaw Avenue because its collection of cottages, bungalows and two-story homes represent some of the most important in the city.
“It was a starting point, but there’s room to expand,” he said. “Now we hope other people will see the benefits and ask to be included in the district.”
This weekend, the public can get a glimpse inside some of the town’s restored historic homes around Kennesaw Avenue during the annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. Five private homes and 10 public spaces will be decked out in holiday finery on both days.
Each Saturday, we shine a spotlight on a local neighborhood, city or community. To suggest a place for us to visit, e-mail H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 770- 744-3042.
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