FULLER: Honor the past, make way for the future

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, August 5, 2023

Recently much has been written and discussed about the four buildings authorized for demolition on the campus of the former Central State Hospital. All four were essential to the operation of what was once “the largest mental institution in the world” for many years, and at least two of them have interesting architectural features, but they have sat vacant for many more years now and have deteriorated  beyond repair. It seems reasonable, albeit painful for some, to demolish them to make way for new structures in keeping with the vision of Renaissance Park and its governing board (Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority) to Reimagine – Reinvent – Reinvest. 

The community interest in highlighting and preserving the history of this vast and historic hospital/city is exciting and heartening. We can all get behind honoring its past while moving forward to support the development of new projects to make the beautiful 2,000-acre campus a vibrant community for all of us with our varied interests and backgrounds.

In the discussions about these four buildings, we overlook the many productive projects already in place. The Bobby Parham Kitchen is now being used by a food service company to process and package thousands of frozen meals per day. Houses have been restored for offices and other small businesses. Several technology enterprises have located there. GMC acquired the auditorium as an extension of the Milledgeville campus. Entrepreneurs recently purchased two of the dormitories and will convert them to affordable rental apartments within the next two years. The Chapel of All Faiths and the Pecan Grove are frequently used for both community and private events.

Among the very exciting renovation projects is the one undertaken by Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at the Depot (thedepotga.org). Several years ago the museum purchased the beautiful Victorian-era depot at the heart of the old CSH campus. Built in 1891, the “train station” was the hub for the old Dummy Train that ran between the hospital and Milledgeville (with tracks down the middle of Wayne Street) carrying supplies and employees back and forth. After the train ceased running, the Depot served as office space and as a museum with artifacts from the old hospital. Gradually it fell into disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, board members of GOCHC (the museum was formerly located in the Old Capitol) envisioned it as a place for a vibrant regional center incorporating artifacts from Milledgeville, Native American, African American and Central State Hospital histories; a hands-on learning center for young people interested in technology and theater arts; a theater, a snack shop, and a gift shop. In 2017 they began what has become a years-long effort to rehabilitate it. Progress is being made. So far a detailed architectural plan for the interior space (available for viewing on the website) was drawn up. The interior was opened up to reveal the 24-foot-high gabled roof. A total-building fire suppression system was installed. Crumbling exterior bricks were replaced where necessary, and all were repointed and stabilized. Windows and doors were restored, as was the gable bargeboard, and all were painted. Currently finished and ready for use are an outdoor stage and a meeting room with handicap ramps.

All of this was accomplished with money generated by generous donors, grants and  innumerable fundraising events (and with no financial support from our city, county, or state). However, only about 20% of this multi-million dollar project for our community has been completed. The plan is to begin interior work next year, but work can proceed only when there is more money. 

How wonderful it would be if we as a community got behind this project and raised funds through donations, memberships to GOCHC, and attendance at the many and varied FUN fundraising events. We could make the vision of this History, Education, and Culture center come true for all of us. As the old Depot was once, so the new one could be the centerpiece of Renaissance Park, and we would all be winners!

Katherine Fuller

Milledgeville