Reese Street and W. Hancock are two of Athens most historic neighborhoods and are extremely significant in African-American history. Both neighborhoods were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1980s. The National Register listing recognizes their architectural and historic significance but, unfortunately, does not provide any protection for the neighborhoods’ historic properties. The only way to gain protection is through a local historic district designation under the A-CC Historic Preservation Ordinance. A-CC currently has nine local historic districts: Bloomfield, Boulevard, Cobbham, Dearing Street, Downtown Athens, Henderson Avenue, Rocksprings, W. Cloverhurst/Springdale, and Woodlawn.

In 2006 the Foundation started working with the neighborhoods which decided to pursue local historic district designations. The Foundation started with Reese Street and, together with the Reese Street/W. Hancock Neighborhood Association, has held regular information meetings for neighborhood residents. In February the foundation submitted a draft of the Local Historic Designation Report to the Historic Preservation Commission. The draft was prepared by consultant John Kissane and identifies over 50 historic properties within the district! The Foundation will submit a final report later in March. The Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Department will then proceed to carry out the legal process necessary for designation. The final step of this process is a vote by the A-CC Mayor and Commission to designate.

• View photographs of the district
• View photographs of the 223 Church St Demoliton
• View photographs of the 526 Reese St Demoliton
• Download a copy of the Designation Report.