Press Room: Roswell, GA New Urbanism

Roswell, GA Becoming Focus of Nationally-Ranked Designers and Urban Planners

Roswell, GA: The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association in November awarded a Roswell historic renovation and residential conversion project the silver award in the category of Best Attached Houses over $500,000, further cementing the town’s reputation as a New Urbanist magnet in the metro-Atlanta area. The Bricks was recently completed by designer Lew Oliver and the Macallan Group. Three years ago, another Roswell development by the same designer, Founders Mill, took the gold in the same category, and although new, it is commonly mistaken for an old mill building. Both Founders Mill and the Bricks are located in the heart of the historic Mill District.

The original structure of this year’s award-winning project dates back to 1840, and was erected by Roswell King as apartments for factory workers in the nearby Roswell Mill. The Greek Revival gem was one of the first apartment buildings constructed in the U.S., and through the years, has served as everything from a hospital for Union troops during the Civil War to public library to private club. The complex is situated between one of the old squares of historic Roswell and Vickery Creek, directly above the last remaining original structure of the Roswell Mills, most of which were burned down by Sherman in the waning days of the Civil War. But a few months ago, the buildings were in disrepair and surrounded by gravel lots, service areas, and dumpsters–a virtual urban void. Today, they are a vital part of the Mill District, and many of the goals of the project are being realized, including the encouragement of pedestrian traffic, the removal of commercial vehicles from the neighborhood, and the fostering of neighborhood-oriented startup businesses on the nearby square.

Roswell is increasingly gaining the attention of award-winning designers and urban planners both in the Atlanta area and around the country. With its pedestrian squares, large parks, trail systems, and almost mythical history, the formerly sleepy enclave offers the type of lifestyle attractive to increasingly large numbers of urban dwellers. The town contains dozens of historical buildings, including Barrington Hall--arguably, the preeminent antebellum structure in the region. The setting is an urban ideal, uniting historic import, natural beauty, and an almost rural charm. The city of Roswell recently constructed a new covered bridge below the Bricks near the Old Mill on Vickery Creek, facilitating use of one of the longest trails in the eastern U.S. Stretching for approximately fifty miles, the extensive park boasts waterfalls, wetlands, trout streams, and mountain ravines filled with wild azaleas and laurel as well as Civil War and native American archaeological sites.

Roswell will host a three-day charette January 31-February 2 that will bring together top designers and urban planners from around the country who will work with the leaders, citizens, and businesspeople of Roswell to brainstorm solutions to a number of key issues and challenges for the city, which include connecting the town’s civic monuments, parks, businesses, and neighborhoods; identification of green spaces and desired green spaces; the slowing of traffic; and amplifying the appeal of the city’s already extensive park system. The charette’s findings will be presented to the public on February 7 at the Roswell City Hall.