City explains purchase of two downtown parcels, says 'no plans to demolish' historic homes

Acworth City Manager James Albright told the board the city closed on two downtown parcels — 4465 Karn Street and 4558 Academy Street — on May 19, 2026, after a protracted negotiation and legal dispute between estate parties. He said the city is at an early stage of evaluating uses and will complete surveys and condition assessments before advancing plans.

"We have no plans to demolish the antebellum homes on the properties," Albright said, but he added staff is considering whether portions of the property could be used for public parking and that the project would likely require both public and private partners. The city manager said site crews will begin cleanup, and the next steps include topographic and facility-condition surveys, asbestos and lead-based paint checks, and a public input meeting before final decisions.

Members of the public pressed for an explicit preservation commitment. Longtime resident Mark Lemon said residents want more than temporary assurances: "What a lot of people in the city want are a firm commitment ... that we are going to preserve these houses." Lemon and others urged landmarking and clearer public timelines for studies.

Albright said staff will seek consensus from the board before proceeding and noted the city has discussed potential partnerships with Cobb County Schools to address parking and school-safety improvements. He emphasized that the timing and viability of any reuse will depend on further study and potential private investment.

The board did not adopt a final plan at the meeting; Albright said investigations will continue and the city will host a public input meeting to gather community feedback.