Presented by the Buidings Worth Saving
Committee of the Atlanta Preservation Center:

2003 List of Endangered Buildings:

Peters House, 1883
Address: 179 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE
Owner/Contacts: Bill Dunaway, Mayor of Marietta, 770-794-5501, & Bill Swearingen 
Threat: Neglect and intense development

Ivy Hall, the home of Edward Peters, was designed by prominent Atlanta architect Gottfried Norrman. Constructed in 1883, the Peters House may be the first house in Georgia to fully embody the new Queen Anne style. The house occupies a full city block which contributes to the historic significance of the site. The setting dates from the 19th century and is possibly Atlanta's oldest surviving landscape design; the original carriage house made this Atlanta's most complete representation of 19th century domestic architecture. The architectural ornamentation of the interior is exceptional and shows the characteristic interest of Atlantans in the usage of ornament in their houses. The importance of the Peters House Complex has been recognized by its listing in the National Register of Historic Places and local designation by the City of Atlanta as a Landmark Building. 

In 2000 owners Bill Dunaway and Bill Swearingen announced plans for development of the property for more than 160 condominium units. Approval of the project was denied by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission. The owners challenged the decision with a major threat to Atlanta's Landmark Law. The court decision made possible a window of opportunity during which the historic carriage house was demolished. A fire of mysterious origin resulted in minimal damage to the house. Despite these losses, the house remains nationally important and our most significant advocacy issue.

 

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