Historic Norcross Woman’s Club Building Acquired by City After Lengthy Dispute

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The city of Norcross now officially owns the historic Norcross Woman’s Club building following a contentious journey. On December 17, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation announced the sale agreement, transferring the property to the city for $450,000.

This milestone comes after months of debate over ownership and the building’s future. Initially, the now-disbanded Norcross Woman’s Club had donated the century-old property to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in August. The trust intended to sell the property to a buyer who would commit to preserving and rehabilitating it indefinitely.

However, tensions quickly escalated when the city of Norcross posted a condemnation notice outside the clubhouse shortly after the trust announced its plans for a private sale. The city’s move sparked a public and legal battle between the trust and Norcross officials.

A Contentious Negotiation Process

The Georgia Trust stated that it had attempted to negotiate a sale directly with the city. However, Norcross city leaders rejected the trust’s requirement for a public use and preservation easement. In response, the city initiated condemnation proceedings, which could have resulted in acquiring the building without the trust’s stipulations. This controversial approach drew backlash from residents, prompting the city council to halt the condemnation process during a September 3 meeting.

After months of silence, the Georgia Trust revealed a new agreement with the city. “From our initial involvement with the Norcross Woman’s Club, our primary goal has been to ensure the legal protection and necessary investment in the property to preserve the history of the building for another hundred years,” said Wright Mitchell, President and CEO of the Georgia Trust.

Terms of the Sale Agreement

Under the new arrangement, the city has committed to incorporating the property into the local historic zoning district and allocating $230,000 for rehabilitation efforts scheduled for 2025. The Norcross City Council also agreed to place the building under the oversight of the Norcross Historic Preservation Commission, which is responsible for ensuring its proper rehabilitation and maintenance.

While this arrangement aligns with some of the trust’s preservation goals, the city ultimately declined the preservation easement, a legal tool that would have granted the trust ongoing control over how the property is maintained and modified. Preservation easements are designed to protect historic properties in perpetuity by requiring owners to seek prior approval for any changes.

City officials argued that the trust’s easement included overly restrictive terms, which they felt would hinder the city’s ability to care for the property. Despite this, Mitchell remains hopeful about the building’s future. “We are pleased the building will be placed under the purview of the Norcross Historic Preservation Commission,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the structure.

A Historic Landmark with a Bright Future

The Norcross Woman’s Club building, constructed in 1921, is a Carnegie-style Greek Revival structure and was Gwinnett County’s first library. Its historical significance is cemented by its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

With the sale finalized, responsibility for the building’s upkeep now falls entirely to the city. Immediate rehabilitation needs include a roof replacement and general structural updates. The mayor, city council, and preservation commission now bear the responsibility of safeguarding this iconic landmark for future generations.

While the journey to this point was rocky, the resolution marks a significant step toward preserving the Norcross Woman’s Club building as a treasured piece of the city’s history.