|
|
Cobb Landmarks is embarking on a $750,000 capital expansion project. It will transform an abandoned 19th century Acworth home into a space for exhibits, events, lectures, a research library, retail store, and offices.
Over its 50-year history, Cobb Landmarks has been headquartered in several buildings throughout Marietta, including the Kennesaw House, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, the Anderson House, and the Clarke Library. Currently, Cobb Landmarks operates from its flagship property, the c. 1840 William Root House campus in downtown Marietta.
Cobb Landmarks uses the William Root House campus to host a variety of workshops, camps, lectures, and community meetings - not to mention hundreds of private events. But Cobb Landmarks’ impact extends beyond the museum. We actively partner with schools, community centers, and local businesses, offering educational programs, outreach initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. We believe that history belongs to everyone, and we strive to make it accessible and engaging for all.
Since the successful completion of our expansion project at the William Root House in 2019, Cobb Landmarks has focused on increasing programming and making good use of our new facilities. Visitation and attendance at the William Root House has increased 200% between 2021 and 2023. Nearly 100 elementary and middle school students have participated in our Junior Historian Summer Camps since we established the program in 2022. In 2021 we introduced a Juneteenth event which brought more than 200 new visitors to the museum in a single day. Our new lecture series has been a resounding success, consistently drawing enthusiastic crowds. However, our current lecture space only seats 25 guests and is struggling to keep pace with demand. We’re passionate about providing a platform for knowledge and inspiration and don't want to turn anyone away due to space limitations.
In order to overcome these challenges and move forward, it has become increasingly clear that we must create a dedicated space for Cobb Landmarks. Our solution is the 50 FORWARD campaign - not just a brick and mortar campaign, but an investment which allows us to serve a growing community, share more diverse stories, and provide a space that fosters learning and engagement.
In order to overcome these challenges and move forward, it has become increasingly clear that we must create a dedicated space for Cobb Landmarks. Our solution is the 50 FORWARD campaign - not just a brick and mortar campaign, but an investment which allows us to serve a growing community, share more diverse stories, and provide a space that fosters learning and engagement.
Opportunity in Acworth
Acworth is located in the northwest corner of Cobb County and is nestled along the banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, hence its nickname “The Lake City.” The city boasts a rich history, a charming downtown, and a vibrant cultural art scene. The City of Acworth has a history of supporting local arts organizations. The Acworth Arts Alliance, Acworth Cultural Arts Center, and Save Acworth History Foundation all operate in spaces provided by the City of Acworth at minimal cost. In this spirit, the City of Acworth has offered the historic McCray House to Cobb Landmarks.
The McCray House and three acres were purchased by the City of Acworth in 2021. The city acquired the property and neighboring parcels with the intention of relocating the house to make way for public parking and commercial development. To enable the development of the site, the McCray House will be moved to face nearby Cherokee Street. After the city relocates the house and places it on a new foundation with utilities installed, Cobb Landmarks plans to take ownership of the house and complete the renovation.
Once relocated, the house will be situated across from the newly-completed Acworth Community Center and 0.4 miles from Acworth’s thriving Main Street. In addition to providing Cobb Landmarks additional space, the McCray House provides Cobb Landmarks an opportunity to breathe new life into a historic structure. While renovating a historic property for public use presents its own set of challenges, we are committed to retaining the house’s original historic details and reusing as many original materials as possible.
The McCray House and three acres were purchased by the City of Acworth in 2021. The city acquired the property and neighboring parcels with the intention of relocating the house to make way for public parking and commercial development. To enable the development of the site, the McCray House will be moved to face nearby Cherokee Street. After the city relocates the house and places it on a new foundation with utilities installed, Cobb Landmarks plans to take ownership of the house and complete the renovation.
Once relocated, the house will be situated across from the newly-completed Acworth Community Center and 0.4 miles from Acworth’s thriving Main Street. In addition to providing Cobb Landmarks additional space, the McCray House provides Cobb Landmarks an opportunity to breathe new life into a historic structure. While renovating a historic property for public use presents its own set of challenges, we are committed to retaining the house’s original historic details and reusing as many original materials as possible.
The McCray House offers our organization an opportunity to have space for exhibits, events, lectures, research, a retail store, and executive offices which are dedicated to Cobb Landmarks programs and initiatives. We’re thrilled to embark on this new journey. For 50 years, Cobb Landmarks has been making a difference in Cobb County by advocating for historic preservation and educating the public about the events, people, and places from our past. Now, with your support, we have an opportunity to expand our reach.
Fundraising needs
Plans and Permitting.....................$15,000
Exterior Renovation......................$200,000
Interior Renovation.......................$100,000
Site Improvements.........................$15,000
Interior Furnishings.......................$50,000
Construction Contingency.........$120,000
Program Capacity Building........$250,000
PROJECT TOTAL..........................$750,000
Exterior Renovation......................$200,000
Interior Renovation.......................$100,000
Site Improvements.........................$15,000
Interior Furnishings.......................$50,000
Construction Contingency.........$120,000
Program Capacity Building........$250,000
PROJECT TOTAL..........................$750,000
This is a milestone project fit for our 50th anniversary and worthy of your support. We are excited to have the McCray House join the William Root House in Marietta and the Power Cabin in East Cobb as a property operated and maintained by Cobb Landmarks for the benefit of the community.
To make a donation by mail, please send a check made payable to "Cobb Landmarks" to:
CLHS 50 Forward
80 N Marietta Parkway, NW
Marietta, GA 30060
