Another effort to save the historic Hart House of Villa Rica is being set in motion this week. The next step hinges on rezoning a property to accommodate the homeÂ’s future use.
A Florida based developer plans to build a senior living center on the property near where the Hart House is currently. He has told Villa Rica city officials that he would like to move the house closer to his new development and incorporate aspects of the house into the design of the senior living center and would seek to find a use or purpose for the building compatible with the proposed center.
The Hart House is currently located on property belonging to Villa Rica First Baptist Church, at the corner of North Van Wert Road and Highway 78. It is the oldest building in Carroll County, actually predating the county by about one year.
On Tuesday, the churchÂ’s Executive Pastor, Micah Hamrick asked Villa RicaÂ’s zoning committee to approve the zoning changes so that the developer could work towards preserving the historical aspect of the building.
“On the inside, he wants to remodel it and potentially take out some interior walls to make meeting space. He would offer that meeting space to his residence, to us and to various clubs. He would like to make this a part of the community,” said Hamrick.
The zoning request now awaits approval from city council. The building could then be moved to the opposite side of the property and would be located on the same parcel as the future assisted living facility.
