“Heartbroken.” That’s how Cornelia Community Development Manager Jessie Owensby describes her reaction to the recent flooding of the historic Cornelia Community House.
According to City Manager Dee Anderson, the flooding occurred Tuesday morning when the fire sprinkler system activated due to one of the HVAC units overheating. He says, “The extent of the damage is still being estimated by the insurance company so I do not know the cost yet.”
Anderson says the insurance company has a contractor that is working to dry out the building so they can make an assessment of the damages. He says insurance will cover the cost of repairs minus the city’s $1,000 deductible.
“I hate that this unfortunate incident occurred but I am thankful that the damage was not more severe and that no one was injured as a result,” Anderson adds.
As a result of the flooding, the Cornelia Rotary Club had to move its meeting Thursday and Owensby has postponed the highly anticipated return of Tacky Prom night. The event, which was scheduled to be held at the Cornelia Community House on February 10th, has been postponed. An alternate date has not been set.
Historic venue
The Community House is a popular venue for meetings, reunions, and wedding receptions and is frequently used by the City of Cornelia for special events.
It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
According to the city’s website, the building is a restored stone and wood structure that was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. It is among the most prominent New Deal era structures in Habersham County, along with old Demorest Elementary School and Chenocetah Tower.
(File photo: Melsner4 / Wikimedia Commons)
