#17... Barrington Hall

Why We Love It...

It is Historic Roswell.  Barrington hall was Roswell King's home and it's still the at the heart of our city's history.  It's in a fantastic location just off the square.  The building was built in the greek revival style and is a fantastic example of our architectural history.  There are great programs for guests to enjoy and the programming is regular which says this is a stable monument to our heritage that the city will continue to support.  

The grounds are beautiful and a walk through them brings you back to a different time (except for the constant sound of traffic from hwy 9).  The path up to the front door is one of my favorite features.  It's a fun place to go and we're lucky to have it in the center of our neighborhood.

What We Would Change...

Well, there are a few things but not really dealing with the house itself.  First, we'd tear down the upper wall on the terraced wall on the north and east sides of the property.  You just can't see the home from the most traveled streets especially during the summer months.  I'm sure a wall would be warranted for privacy purposes if someone actually lived there.  However, Barrington Hall is really a monument to the legacy of our city.  It should be visible.  

After we tear down that wall, we'd certainly make sure there were better sidewalks along the road to encourage people (not cars) to actually feel comfortable around the property.  These are coming soon but can't come soon enough in my opinion.

Finally, we'd find a way to use the periphery of the grounds better and in more of a park like manner.  Maybe a well designed playground on the edge of the grounds (not too close to the house, there's plenty of room on 7 acres).  I'd also be in favor of adding a true community garden somewhere on the grounds.  The only one we have in Roswell is out off Crossville Road at the Leita Thomas Memorial Park.  That's just too darn far to expect people to go to tend to their garden.

image: SmithsonianMag.com

#20... The Red Door Playhouse

Why We Love It...

This place is great.  It's locally owned and adds a lot of culture to the heart of our city.  It's also situated on the square which is so much better than being in a strip mall with a parking lot out front.  The experience wouldn't be the same.  The Red Door Playhouse engages kids in and gives them a way to enjoy the heart of our city in a way that most other neighborhoods in Atlanta can't.

We can't wait until our daughter is old enough to enroll in some of the activities.  It is kid focused with art and drama classes as well as a summer camp.  However, there are plenty of events for adults such as improv shows and lessons.  There is an annual poetry slam where poets perform their work.  So, there's no excuse not to check it out.  Here's a more thorough article form the Roswell Patch website that covers more on the programming.

What We Would Change...

This one's difficult but if there were one thing, we'd consider a more visible marquee that would engage the sidewalk and the traffic along Atlanta Street to advertise shows and events.  Other than that, there's not much to like about this place.

image: Red Door Playhouse

#22... The Smith Plantation

Why We Love It..

The Smith Plantation is an excellent example of adaptive reuse.  It was built around 1845 and was an actual home until 1994.  The city bought the property in 1985 and allowed the final owner to live there until her death in 1994.  Tours began in 1992.  The conversion to a public asset helps preserve the history of our city for all and reminds everyone of a bygone time in this area.  It's really a beautiful example of a southern plantation house.

What We Don't Love..

There's not much not to like.  If we had to say anything, it would be that it's really difficult to see.  I guess you have to get out of your car or off the sidewalk but there really isn't any good way to get a glimpse of the front of the building without entering from the City Hall parking lot or from the sidewalk on Atlanta Street.