UDC approves conceptual design for Lumpkin Slave Jail pavilion; engineering solutions required for floodplain site

The Urban Design Committee approved conceptual location, character and extent for the Lumpkin Slave Jail Pavilion, the design team said. The pavilion will provide public access and interpretation of the archaeological remains associated with Lumpkin Slave Jail; approval was unanimous after staff conditions and an amendment to require final details on building massing, materials and service arrangements.

The pavilion design submitted to UDC calls for a semi‑conditioned pavilion that protects and makes visible archaeological deposits nearly 15 feet below current grade. The project team described a lowered entry experience with an elevator and stairs to an archaeological level, mezzanine interpretive stops, a plaza above the excavation footprint, and a smaller “reflection” area. The design emphasizes layered interpretation, accessibility where feasible, and durable exterior materials (concrete, terracotta slatting, brick references) while keeping the primary archaeological level largely open to the elements for interpretive effect.

Project engineers and the design team told the committee the site’s floodplain and hydrology drove the structural approach. The applicant described using secant/retaining walls keyed to bedrock and an active pumping system (with emergency power) to keep the excavation level dry; the pavilion structure is intentionally not a fully conditioned building to avoid extensive HVAC and code implications on the floodplain site. Staff and the design team said the pavilion must meet FEMA and local permitting constraints and that detailed engineering will be required for submittal.

Several speakers stressed the significance of the archaeological finding and the narrative opportunity of the pavilion. Jeanne Wolford of the city and the Slave Trail Commission said: “This is the half that’s not been told, and the stones are real,” underscoring the rare physical evidence the excavation has produced. Community speakers described the site as a place of transformation and urged interpretive emphasis on Mary Lumpkin and other local histories.

Staff’s recommended conditions for the pavilion mirror the master plan conditions: pervious and resilient hardscape where appropriate, ADA‑compliant pathways where feasible, final planting plans and maintenance strategies, samples for exterior materials, final lighting plans that minimize light pollution, and anti‑graffiti considerations. An amendment adopted during the meeting required applicants to submit final details regarding each building’s height, proportion, massing, materials and site features for final UDC review.

The committee voted to recommend approval with those conditions; the motion to approve with staff recommendations was made and seconded during the meeting and recorded as a unanimous vote.