ACHF and Watson Brown Foundation

The Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation (ACHF) works within the Athens community to develop an understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods and heritage. Like many local preservation efforts, the ACHF was formed in 1967 in response to a crisis. The group was successful in saving the Church-Waddel-Brumby House and negotiated with the city to manage the house as the city's welcome center. That agreement is still in force.

After failing to find a local buyer in 1984, the Foundation has worked for years to find a way to bring the T.R.R. Cobb house home. Finally, in 2003, they formed a partnership with the Watson-Brown Foundation, which paid $500,000 for the lot at 175 Hill Street where the Cobb house will land on May 24. The ACHF negotiated with the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, which contributed $400,000 for site preparation and moving the house, and the dream is finally becoming a reality.

The site is only two blocks from the original lot and just across the street from the ACHF Headquarters in the renovated Fire hall #1 and just around the corner from the Old Athens jail. All these sites are adjacent to the historic Cobbham neighborhood, which the Foundation helped gain National Register designation in 1975.

With support from the Watson-Brown Foundation, ACHF will assume responsibility for oversight and management of the T.R.R. Cobb site. This will include operating the house as a museum and coordinating additional use as a site for community and social events and educational programs for children and adults. The lower level of the house will contain 2000 square feet of office space and rental income from the space will help offset the costs of operations.