Canton City Council voted in 2016 to initiate a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for the purpose of maintaining the historic integrity of the commercial buildings in the downtown area. This does not pertain to residential property. That commission consists of seven community members who have undergone eight classes, three hours each, facilitated by the Georgia Trust. The members are Joe Sellers, Jane Shelnutt, Harry Johnston, Addie Price, Jeff Brown, Stacy Yawn, and Bob Rugg. The description of their purpose is to determine if the restoration plans for a historical commercial building are in keeping with the overall aesthetic of downtown Canton. Other cities that you may have thought charming are Roswell, Madison, and Savannah. That beauty and charm are greatly due to the vigilance of the HPCs in those cities doing their job to keep historic buildings true to character and originality.
Submitting plans to the HPC doesn’t add another layer to the process of approvals, but it takes the place of the design review committee. If an applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the HPC, they can appeal to the Canton City Council for a final decision. The Commission works closely with each applicant and guides them through the process, helping them choose the appropriate features such as windows, doors, paint color, columns, and possibly roofing style and color.
The HPC is not only important for historical restorations, it is also important for new buildings. Plans for the new Panera Bread Company that is being constructed on the corner of West Main Street and Academy Street had to be approved by the HPC to ensure the new building blends well with the historic structures that are being restored and repurposed.
In a few months, the HPC will be receiving plans for the River Mill. The new owner and developer is eager to begin work but has not determined exactly what will be inside. It is currently a blank canvas with so many fantastic options. However, the HPC will be reviewing and guiding the new construction to make sure the refurbished exterior retains its historic character and charm.
The citizens of Canton are enjoying the new businesses, restaurants, and activities downtown, and thanks to the Historic Preservation Commission, we are also appreciating a fresh look at our history.
to your business!