Decorating with history
Antebellum mill homes in Roswell get new life as upscale townhouses

By ALMA E. HILL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/19/06

As project designer for a number of residential and commercial developments in metro Atlanta, South Georgia and Florida, Lew Oliver isn't one to fall for every pretty place he sees.

But after designing nine three-story townhomes near Mill Village in historic Roswell, Oliver was so taken by the development and the proximity to area attractions he decided he wanted one for himself. So he purchased a prime corner unit, redesigned it with features popular in urban lofts and used salvaged or reclaimed materials from other buildings to enhance the historic character.

"I love the mill district in Roswell," says Oliver. "I love the park systems ... and the great restaurants that are within walking distance. I'm on a mission project to revitalize the downtown square. Living there makes it easier to do."

His swanky townhouse has become the poster child for the Bricks, a small community of row houses developed by the Macallan Group in the heart of Roswell.

In 1840, the Bricks consisted of two apartment-style buildings for cotton mill workers. During the Civil War, in 1864, Union troops ran the mill workers out and used the buildings as a field hospital for wounded soldiers. In recent years the site housed the Roswell Founders Club, a private social organization. Macallan purchased the Bricks in 2004, hoping that the refurbished homes, which range in price from $598,000 to $602,000, would contribute to the area's resurgence. So far five of the nine units, which were all built with some historical elements, have sold.

"We didn't think the [Roswell Historic Preservation Commission] would allow us to do the renovations, because it is the oldest apartment building in the U.S.," says Wade Chappell, one of three Macallan partners. "It was a huge step for them to buy into it."

The three- and four-bedroom townhouses have some of the original millwork, exposed brick walls, antique chandeliers, high ceilings, heart pine floors, open floor plans, lots of oversize windows, and walled gardens. Some units have four fireplaces.

"I feel totally free in the house," notes Oliver, who turned his lower level into an office. "The beauty of the floor plan is, you can really change your furniture around in two or three years and get a totally different look."