On April 14, new residents, community stakeholders, and Athens Land Trust’s staff gathered for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the historic preservation work on the Mack Burney Home. The rehabilitation was undertaken with a focus on historic preservation while also employing environmentally-conscious building materials and construction techniques. This energy-efficient structure has the added benefit of saving on utility costs for residents, who moved in at the beginning of the month.
For several years, Athens Land Trust worked with Athens-Clarke County, state historic preservation specialists, and most importantly, with stakeholders representing the community’s interest in preserving this important landmark. The newly unveiled structure now serves as an affordable, 4-unit rental community that preserves the historical integrity of the home, honors its history as a boarding house, and provides modern amenities that will serve future residents for years to come.