2009 News Archive 

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Historic Johns Creek building begins renovation

Major renovations begin next month on the historic Newtown Community House in Johns Creek.

Overseen by the non-profit Newtown Park Community Foundation, the remodeling will increase the meeting space, update bathroom facilities and add a new roof, porch and landscaping in order to make the historic building usable – once again – by the community.

Adjacent to the city's Newtown Park, the Newtown Community House served for nearly 50 years as a public meeting place for community activities in the then rural, unincorporated Northeast corner of Fulton County.

Everything from Boy Scout meetings to potluck dinners and informal dances took place in the House, providing a place for the rural community to come together. The Newtown Community House also served as a court house and voting precinct over the years.

The house was built in 1953 with funds privately raised by a group of residents known as the Newtown Community Club. The club's members included residents still familiar in the community today: Brumbelow, Nesbit, Fouts, Hawkins and Chamblee.

Monies for the approximate $125,000 renovation come from unused Special Services District funding paid by taxpayers of unincorporated North Fulton County prior to the City's incorporation.

"This is a small step toward creating what we hope will one day be an overall center (encompassing Newtown Park, the Newtown Community House and the historic Newtown School) for all kinds of activities for the community to enjoy," said Foundation President Lynn Pennington. The Foundation has previously worked with Fulton County and the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources to achieve recognition of the Newtown School building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker and City Council will join members of the Foundation Friday, January 30, at 4pm, for a presentation of the renovation plans and a final walk-thru of the building prior to start of construction.