These 5 Augusta properties are now considered 'endangered' by historic preservationists
Augusta has a long and colorful history, and there are several buildings in the area that help tell its story. Some of them are still standing hundreds of years after they were built. However, a handful of these properties are in serious need of help.
Members of Historic Augusta's leadership team held a press conference Tuesday morning at the Sand Hills Community Center to provide the public with its group's 2024 latest Endangered Properties list. These structures have some serious issues but are still standing. However if no one intervenes soon, they will won't survive.
Here's a look at which historic properties made the list:
802 Greene Street
Built in 1902
From the iconic green copper dome to its grand and decorative facade, the old First Baptist Church has a lot of character. It was created as a new home to the Baptist Praying Society, served as the site for the Southern Baptist Convention's formation, and served multiple religious functions through out the 20th century.
Today, it has the unfortunate distinction of being the first listed under a brand new category for Historic Augusta: "Imminently Imperiled Landmark." The dome and windows have severely deteriorated, there is significant failure of the gutters and a lot of moisture infiltration. These problems are exacerbated every time it rains. However, the rear Sunday School portion has been secured with a new roof and some renovations.
The Augusta Chronicle reported in 2020 that the property was "saved" by Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate partners Connie Wilson and Joe Edge with the intent of fixing up the church so it could be repurposed rather than bulldozed.
2128 McDowell Street
Built in 1928
The "Righton Robertson House" is named after the accomplished historian it was built for and was advertised as a prime example of the products available from the Georgia-Carolina Brick Company. Today, it's in the middle of a major rehabilitation that has been slowed down by supply-chain issues and labor shortages.
The property is privately owned under the name Skyrae Properties, according to Augusta Maps. Historic Augusta says the owners plan to rent or sell to someone else once the work is completed.
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1108 Miller Street
Built in 1924
The "Green House" replaced a smaller duplex back in the day and served as the home of a popular community figure of Augusta: Charles C. Green. However, if it's not helped, the Green House could also get replaced. It is currently vacant and condemned, and the amount of overgrowth outside indicates very little activity is taking place.
Its owner is listed as Lawrenceville resident Dean Esther.
2345 and 2349 Wrightsboro Road
Both built in the early 20th century
The next door neighbors near Wrightsboro Road and Heath Street are both single-family, deteriorating residences that were slated for redevelopment, but plans were stalled by a failure to follow preservation guidelines. The owners no longer intend to complete the rehab.
Both are for sale at $150,000 each and tax incentives are possible on the state and federal level. Those interested can contact the owners through Historic Augusta.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Historic Augusta's Endangered Properties List 2024 building highlights
