(Toccoa, GA) – One building in Main Street has received a major facelift this month. An extended portion of the Harper’s Building on Sage Street recently had façade renovations completed, giving the previously dilapidated structure a whole new look and feel.
Before the project began, contractor Chris Irvin of Deercourt Enterprises went through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process in January to review the guidelines for construction, and in February was given formal approval by the Historic Preservation Commission. Following an architectural drawing and design plans set by Chip Wright, GA Mountains Regional Commission Preservation Planner, and partnering with Main Street, Mr. Irvin began restoration work in late February. Upon completion, Mr. Irvin received from Mr. Wright a Preservation Excellence Award for his hard work (see photo at left) to recognize his valuable contribution to historic preservation and quality downtown revitalization.
Property owner Bob White will apply to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for the façade grant now that work has been completed. The tenant has not yet been determined; however Mr. White is recruiting for a professional or service business. Previously, the building was Franklin Discount Loans and then its use changed to the toy department for the Harper’s Five and Dime Store. Mr. White hopes to begin work on the West Doyle Street portion of Harper’s in the next few weeks.
Mr. Wright spoke on the project on behalf of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, “It takes great effort to rebuild a community in a fashion that restores architectural integrity and economic vitality. Quality rehabilitation projects are community-oriented labors of love.” Community Development Director Connie Tabor said that the project has been exemplary and that the Historic Preservation Commission is very proud of the overall impact of the design and construction work.
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