From Mary Alice Bray:   

In April, preservationists statewide gathered in Rome, Georgia, to recognize projects in Georgia that have contributed to historic preservation in the state and that merit recognition for sensitive restoration and/or compatible additions or adaptive reuse.  Robert and Carole Craig, along with James Crisp of Chelsey Construction Company, were recognized for the nearly three-decade project in preserving and renovating the c1885 Smith-Benning House on Oakdale Road in Candler Park.  For the Craigs, the project was home but also sought to provide a model for both historic preservation and compatible new design of additions.

Converted to apartments in the 1960s and all but abandoned, the house was almost lost on several occasions. Once the fire department appeared in the yard with fire trucks and crew and suggested that the presumed empty and derelict house  might serve as a “controlled fire” training project, just prior to its assumed certain demolition. The Craigs quickly informed the fire fighters that the Georgia Tech architecture professor and his family were, indeed, living there, and it would be restored.  During that time, the neighborhood fondly referred to the house as “the ghost house” or “Adams Family House.” One precocious three year old boy called it “Casper’s House.”

Twenty eight years later, with a total renovation, compatible new additions, and a new out building, the Craigs’ project has successfully returned the landmark home to a single-family residence. People who pass by mistakenly assume that the new out building (workshop and garage) is also over 100 years old.  There are many personal touches that are noteworthy. Carole Craig stripped and refinished over a linear mile of trim. Robert Craig’s interest in architectural history is reflected in the careful preservation of original historic fabric, retention and restoration of Eastlake-Victorian ornament throughout (verandah, window, and gable trim), and his compatible design for additions, including an expanded kitchen in the back of the house.  The  new kitchen, which is modern and open in plan inside, is detailed with architectural features, which reference the house’s late Victorian character,  Candler Park’s bungalow tradition, and Robert’s interest in the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Since the Candler Park neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, I thought everyone would be interested in hearing about this award. Congratulations to Robert and Carole!