Q: I would like to know if the Archdiocese of Atlanta sold the home they renovated for Archbishop Gregory? If so, how much did they get for it and did Archbishop Gregory move back to the original home near the Cathedral of Christ the King?
—Rick Roth, Alpharetta
A: The Archdiocese of Atlanta sold the home at 3358 Habersham Road for $2.6 million in November 2014, after parishioners and others complained that the new house, which is more than 6,000 square feet, was too lavish to be Archbishop Wilton Gregory's residence.
The archdiocese built the house for $2.2 million with money left by Joseph Mitchell, Margaret Mitchell’s nephew.
At the time, Gregory defended the decision, saying that the home also would serve as a place to host guests of the church.
The archdiocese later placed the property for sale.
Gregory, in a March 2015 commentary published by the Georgia Bulletin, wrote that he took responsibility for the controversy that “confused, angered and embarrassed” many in the Catholic community.
The archdiocese sold his previous home to Cathedral of Christ the King to create a rectory for its parish priests.
Gregory moved to a $440,000 home in a Smyrna subdivision.
“I am no longer able to host the types of large receptions at my home that I once did, but I have been regularly reminded by the people who enjoy attending those gatherings that they do so for the company, as do I, and not for the venue,” Gregory wrote.
Allison Floyd with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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