As the county government attempts to strike a balance between preserving historic buildings and permitting improvements in the face of growth, the disagreement over the structure’s future became a focal point for Athens preservationists.
In an email, the church’s senior minister, Jerry Lawson, stated that while a 14-space parking lot is the immediate goal for the cleared tract, the long-term plans are for something that serves our church purpose.
He pointed out that the 140-year-old sanctuary and more than 90,000 square feet of space at Athens First United Methodist, which is commemorating its 200th anniversary, are utilized by a range of community members every day of the week.
The Saye was originally used for meetings by the church, whose main structure stands across the street, but it has not been used for a number of years. It said that due of the Saye’s terrible state, saving it would not be financially advantageous.
Jim Thompson for the AJC is credited.
Jim Thompson for the AJC is credited.
Clarke-Athens According to Mayor Kelly Girtz, with all the options we had, the demolition is not the result I personally would have desired.
Girtz and preservationists had backed three locals’ offer to purchase the land for $3 million, almost $1.8 million more than the church had paid in 2004. In order to convert the building into a mixed-use area, the group’s plan called for spending an extra $5 million to $8 million, part of which would be covered by tax incentives.
Chris Jackson, the founder of the local preservation consulting business Verity Works, was one of the potential buyers and described the Saye Building’s loss as a “bit of a stain on historic preservation in Athens.”
In 2018, the church started to pursue demolition. After Athens-Clarke County first denied the building, a demolition moratorium and a downtown historic area were established to save it.
After the church’s court appeal moved to mediation, the structure was taken off of the historic district and a demolition permission was issued.
Jason Getz, whose email address is [email protected]
Jason Getz, whose email address is [email protected]
