Canton’s Historic Preservation Efforts

Our city strongly believes that historic preservation is one of the most effective tools for economic development, tourism, thoughtful planning, growth management, and neighborhood revitalization. Just as importantly, it fosters local pride, preserves the character of our community, and enhances the livability and quality of life for all who live, work, play, and serve here.

I am also proud to say that Canton truly lives out this commitment. Over the past several years, our preservation efforts and long-term strategies have helped protect approximately 700,000 square feet of historic buildings and homes throughout our city. This progress is especially visible in our central business district and directly supports one of our key roadmap priorities: enhancing the potential of historic downtown Canton.

Signature projects include the preservation and adaptive reuse of landmark properties such as Jones Mercantile, the Mill on Etowah, the former Canton High School that now serves as City Hall, Canton Elementary, the Canton Theatre, and the Cotton Mill offices, among many others. Our current flagship preservation initiative is the rehabilitation of the historic downtown fire station, located in the former U.S. Post Office building. Canton recently awarded this renovation project in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority and Cherokee County.

These preservation efforts have played an important role in our city's economic success, helping to attract substantial private investment while creating new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive.

I am especially proud that our work is now being recognized at the state level. Last month, Canton was honored by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation with an Excellence in Preservation Service Award in recognition of our exceptional, long-term contributions to preservation. This is a tremendous honor, and I am proud of our continued commitment to protecting the beauty, history, and architectural integrity that make Canton so special.

As we reflect on these successes, I also want to take this opportunity to thank History Cherokee and Stefanie Joyner, who has served as the organization's executive director for more than 20 years. She recently announced that she will be leaving to accept a finance position with the Historic Macon Foundation. She has been a tireless advocate for preservation throughout Cherokee County, and her leadership has made a lasting impact on our community.

I look forward to building on our preservation efforts, as we continue to shape and advance the coolest small town in America.