ROSWELL, Ga. — Over 500 supporters have signed a petition to try and stop city leaders from tearing down a historic Roswell fellowship building.
The Roswell Masonic Hall has been a relic for 165 years, and longtime residents are fighting to have it repurposed instead.
Here is a statement from a spokesperson for the City of Roswell:
"The City of Roswell is deeply dedicated to the preservation of its historic treasures. Over the years, the City has allocated millions of dollars towards the preservation and maintenance of five historic homes, the rejuvenation of Roswell’s Historic Square, restoration of the Old Mill Machine Shop and the implementation of its Historic Asset Activation Plan. In November 2022, Roswell voters overwhelmingly supported a $20 million initiative to construct a parking deck in the downtown area. The Council has not only approved the site for the deck but also the Green Street Activation Plan, which aims to enhance connectivity between the new parking facility, Downtown Roswell, and the City Hall Trails project with multi-use trails and pedestrian plazas. The acquisition of the property located at 1054 and 1056 Alpharetta Street is crucial for transportation-related public uses. This includes construction of the parking deck and new walkways that will ensure safe pedestrian movement across various city roads in the downtown area. This project will significantly transform the downtown area, enriching the experience for both residents and visitors alike."
Former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said he had to step in. He helped spearhead support at Monday's council meeting.
"You are right. I am trying to hold on to something old," Wood said. "I'm trying to hold on to my history."
Wood said despite how it looks, the masonic hall should be preserved.
"This building was built in 1859," said Wood. "It survived the Union occupation. It survived the Depression."
Judy Meer is the president of Roswell's Historical Society.
"This was one of five buildings that were listed in the 1930s on a National Register of Historic (Places)," Meer said.
Meer says unlike other cities in the metro moving to modernize, monuments are a part of Roswell's personality.
"I didn't want to see my hometown disappear under the pressure of urban development," said Wood.
Over 100 residents showed up to Monday's meeting. Wood argues that the demolition could cost over $1 million. Instead of getting rid of it, a few ideas were presented: perhaps a hurricane shelter or welcome center— anything but saying goodbye.
"Please don't tear down that building," Meer continued. "It is part of the character of Roswell, and it needs to be saved... If you start with one building, where does it end?"
The meeting lasted two hours.