Grant from ARC sought to help Church Street Manor
Rockmart officials plan to apply for an Appalachian Regional Commission grant - up to $300,000 - to help develop Church Street Manor, part of the 10-acre parcel of the J. L. Lester estate purchased in 2014 at a cost of an estimated $311,780.
Deadline for the application process is Monday, Aug. 1, according to Manager Jeff Ellis.
The historic structure, former home of Raymond and Nell Lester, is located between Church, Beauregard and Martin Luther King Jr. streets. It was renamed after the land purchase was completed.
Plans were announced that a bronze plaque identifying the home as the “Mundy, Young and Lester” home, was to be placed on the front of the structure. A likeness of the house was also the centerpiece of Rockmart’s 2015 Christmas ornament. Other public facilities featured on the decorative item are Rockmart’s City Hall and The Depot buildings.
Mayor Steve Miller initially said he believed the original green space could be used for many things. Today, his vision is a reality since is now known as J. L. Lester Park and is used during the Homespun Festival as an overflow vendor display space.
He said the land could also be utilized as an amphitheater, which is becoming a popular asset to regional communities such as Villa Rica and Dallas.
City officials originally announced plans to seek a partnership with the Path Foundation to explore possible uses for the land along the Silver Comet Trail, including a bridge over Euharlee that would allow public access into the area as it is developed.
“We know the benefit that long-range planning can have in a small town,” Miller said. “The vision of past leaders (when Steve Smith was mayor) has proved that it pays. They made the decision to purchase property that is now known as the 101 Industrial Park, location of several industries.”
Manager Jeff Ellis said purchase of the former Lester property is a “win, win” situation for Rockmart citizens. He said Church Street Manor is maintained by city staff and can be utilized as a wedding venue or similar events.