The downtown Clarkesville square has been listed as a historic district with the National Register of Historic Places, the city announced Monday. A historic listing from the National Parks Service is to follow.
“So many people have contributed to documenting the history of this sweet place we call home,” Clarkesville Councilwoman Lane Gresham tells Now Habersham. “Receiving this designation reminds me of the many community members no longer with us who helped to write the larger community story; Gladys Holcomb, John Kollock and many others would be so pleased to see the city receive this designation. This news simply affirms what we already know about Clarkesville – it’s a remarkable place that deserves thoughtful planning as we move forward with future plans to revitalize the downtown.”
Clarkesville officials have worked with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to secure this historic designation since the fire of March 2014, which destroyed much of the city’s downtown square.
“There are a great many steps to achieving this important designation,” said Mayor Barrie Aycock in a press release. “I am grateful to all of the people who played a pivotal role in the multi-step, lengthy process.”
According to Cynthia Catellier, National Register Historian for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the city will receive an official certificate and announcement of its designation in the near future.
“Being a multi-generational resident of Clarkesville it makes me just so incredibly proud,” Councilwoman Roxie Barron tells Now Habersham. “I think back to growing up in this little town, I think of my parents, my grandparents, my friends and my family throughout the many years that have called Clarkesville ‘home.’ Clarkesville is special. All who come recognize as much so this is very very deserving. And many thanks go out to all of those folks that worked so diligently to make it happen!”
