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City snags Masonic Lodge through eminent domain By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Masonic Hall, a building constructed around 1859 in the Roswell Historic District, may be coming down following the City Council’s vote to exercise eminent domain April 8. The 5-1 vote also includes the adjacent property at 1056 Alpharetta St. and is intended to secure land for the city’s future public parking deck and connective walkways. Councilwoman Sarah Beeson cast the dissenting vote. Eminent domain, generally, is the taking of a property for fair market value for redevelopment purposes toward public use. Before the decision, Roswell Historical Society President Judy Meer pleaded with the council to reconsider. “We need a parking deck — there’s no doubt about that,” Meer said. “But, that building should be saved as part of that project and could be really a jewel right there with all the new construction coming up around it.” Appen Media could not confirm whether the Masonic Hall would be preserved as of press time. Masonic Lodge history Meer sent information about the Masonic Hall to councilmembers, informing them of its historic value in a document written by former Roswell Planner Julie Martin. According to the document, the Greek Revival structure served as the first permanent building for the Methodist Church in Roswell, built on land donated by Barrington King. It was taken over by Masonic Lodge No. 165 in 1952 when the building was likely renovated to its current stucco appearance. For more than 90 years, the property had been landmarked and designated as historically important by federal, regional and local authorities, the document says. The building is not labeled as a “Landmark House” in the city’s “Historic District Master Plan” from 2019. But, according to Martin’s document, it was included on a list of historic structures as part of a 1973 report, an effort led
See LODGE, Page 23
STEVE NEESE/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Christo Lamprecht and Nick Dunlap present watches they received for competing at the 2024 Georgia Cup at the Golf Club of Georgia April 7. Lamprecht, reigning British amateur champion, won the 2024 Georgia competition.
Lamprecht named champion at Georgia Cup in Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. — South African amateur golfer Christo Lamprecht was named 2024 Georgia Cup champion at the Golf Club of Georgia April 7. Reigning British amateur champion Lamprecht faced off against U.S. amateur champion Nick Dunlap in an 18-hole match play event. This year, Dunlap became a professional player for the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, marking the first time a professional
faced an amateur for the Georgia Cup. Lamprecht and Dunlap were tied at the 18th hole, but Lamprecht secured a one-up win with a 15-foot putt. Both men were invited to compete at the 2024 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club April 11-14. — Shelby Israel BUSINESS
Homeless count trends down in Fulton County ► PAGE 4
Roswell store sustains city’s historic feel ► PAGE 8