Historic Preservation

Committee Chair

Karri Hobson-Pape (Board)

Committee Members

Johnson Bazzel (Board)
Peggy Berg
Lola Carlisle
Holly Fisher
Amy Harward (VP)
Raymond Kean
Catherine Lewis
Jess Liddick (Treasurer)
Judy Potter
Robin Ragland
Alex Saucedo
Jack White

Preservation and History Committee Mission: Identify, promote and preserve the historic features and defining qualities of The Virginia‑Highland.
If you love history, this neighborhood’s got it. Join our committee and learn more about The Virginia‑Highland: [email protected].

Calling All Virginia-Highland History Buffs!

The Virginia-Highland Civic Association Preservation & History Committee formed nearly two years ago and has made great progress. We're inviting all lovers of history to play an important role: join our committee for starters, and become the History Champion of your subdivision.

The Virginia-Highland is actually made up of many subdivisions and was primarily developed from the early 1900's through the late 40's. The number of named subdivisions varies depending on which history you look at. The disparity is often a product of incomplete developments being absorbed (or expanding) into larger subdivisions.

The map shown below gives a rough idea of the key historic subdivisions and the approximate dates of their development. We'd love for our Subdivision History Champions to help us uncover as much history as we can, subdivision by subdivision. We’ve learned a lot, but there is much more to know.

We can advise you on the process, scanning specs and best places to look for historic information. The type of history you collect could depend on your own personal curiosity and where it leads you. Oral histories, images, and documents are productive starting points, as are identifying and protecting landmarks, and investigating subdivsion historic designation. The Preservation & History Committee can advise you in all these processes.

The primary subdivisons noted on the map shown below are:

1. Todd / Liddell Estate – 1904, 1932

2. Oak Grove / North Highalnd - 1907

3. Highland View – 1911

4. Atkins Park – 1912

5. Realty Mortgage Development - 1913

6. Adair Park - 1916

7. Virginia Avenue Subdivision (Collection) - 1916

8. Virginia Hills – 1921

9. North Boulevard Park – 1916

10. Rosewood Park – 1922

11. F.A. Ames Property / Virginia Highlands - 1922

12. Kelly - 1924

13. Cheshire Estate - 1928

14. Brookridge Park Subdivision – 1935

Click on the map image above to view a larger version.

Preservation and History News

Video based upon the book "Images of America: Virginia-Highland" by Karri Hobson-Pape and Lola Carlisle. It was first shown at the 2012 VHCA annual meeting as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the civic association. Once you click the arrow to play, you can then watch it full-screen by clicking the square icon in the bottom right of the video.

Historical development maps

Browse the collection of the Virginia-Highland Historical Development Maps, original plat maps (1890s through 1930s) from your section of Virginia-Highland.

Design Reference for Renovation

A design reference for renovation of The Virginia-Highland home styles and types was created by students in the Georgia State University Heritage Program. This reference material is provided as an aid and in no way provides enforceable city codes.

Contents include: descriptions of architectural styles (bungalow and 10 others); foundations, materials, doors, windows, roofs, additions, setbacks, massing and scale, appurtenances, landscape strips, sidewalks, walkways, fences, retaining walls, streetscapes... etc.!
Download here (very large PDF file, 26 MB)

History of The Virginia-Highland

11-part series by Linda Merrill
I: Overview, Early pioneers
II: The Cheshires and the 9-Mile Circle streetcar
III: Highland Park (1890s) - first subdivision
IV: 1903-1914: More subdivisions
V: Park Drive Bridge

VI: Boulevard Park
VII: Orme Park
VIII: Better Homes, Parks, Schools
IX: Virginia Hills, Virginia Highlands with an "s"
X: Two luxurious apartment houses
XI: Commerce

National Register of Historic Places - Virginia-Highland's application containing detailed description of architectural styles and contributing buildings. Low-res b/w photos are in this document (17.8 MB, PDF); we plan to upload the original quality color photos in the future.

Virginia-Highland (Images of America) - book by Karri Hobson-Pape and Lola Carlisle
Available online from Amazon , Arcadia Publishers , Barnes & Noble

Available locally at
— San Francisco Coffee
— Intown Hardware
— Highland Hardware
— Barnes & Noble @ Emory