The City of Roswell's Archibald Smith Plantation has received the 2014 Award for Excellence in Restoration from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for the restoration of the historic home's 164-year-old corn crib.

The recently restored corn crib, which was built around 1850, is one of the 10 original outbuildings on Smith Plantation's grounds. Oral tradition identifies this structure as having been constructed from materials salvaged from the oldest store in Roswell, which was located across present-day Alpharetta Street. In a photo from the early 1900s, corn is seen growing right up next to this building. The corn crib was filled with corn that fed livestock, thereby playing an important role on the farm.

In June 2013, the corn crib was severely damaged by a fallen tree during a storm. It was rebuilt in August and September of 2013 by American Labor Construction LLC; Steve McMichen, senior project manager; and Jeff Harper, master carpenter. With valuable input from Jack Pyburn, FAIA, principal, Historic Preservation Studio of Lord Aeck, and Sargent Architecture, the components of the corn crib were painstakingly inventoried and repaired. Some irreparably damaged components were replaced with historically accurate fabrications. The restoration also included custom-milled wood and a cedar shake wooden roof. The end result is a structure that looks exactly as it did before the tree hit it.

A vital part of the project was Master Carpenter Jeff Harper, who passed away recently. Chuck Douglas, site coordinator for Smith Plantation, hopes this restoration project will stand as a testament to Harper's skills and dedication to his art. "Jeff Harper was truly one of the best I have ever worked with a true craftsman," said Douglas. "This award means even more as we are able to honor him with receiving it."