Saving A Piece of Lilburn’s History: The 1895 Train Conductor’s Home
The 1895 Train Conductor's home in the heart of downtown Lilburn, Georgia, is a piece of history that was nearly lost to progress. A charming home, built in 1895 and originally belonging to the town's train conductor, faced demolition to make way for a new restaurant. However, thanks to the quick action of local preservationists as well as the city and the cooperation of the new property owner, this historic gem has been given a second chance at life.
It was a race against time when news spread that the 128-year-old home was slated for demolition, concerned city officials reached out to the new owner in hopes that they would be willing to save the home from demolition. Recognizing the historical significance of the structure, city officials wanted to save as much of the history of the home and the town as possible, even if that meant moving the home to another location outside of town limits. To everyone's relief, the owner was receptive to the idea of preserving the home. What followed was a whirlwind three-month process to secure the necessary permits and set the wheels in motion for an ambitious relocation project.
The challenges of moving history and relocating a century-old home is no small feat. It took a dedicated team a full week to carefully dismantle and prepare the structure for its journey. Mother Nature, however, had other plans. During this crucial preparation phase, storms rolled through the area, drenching the exposed interior of the home. While initially disheartening, this unexpected turn of events revealed hidden treasures. The rain exposed beautiful beadboard walls that had been concealed for decades, offering a glimpse into the home's rich history and craftsmanship.
A new chapter begins the home found its new resting place on family land owned by its new caretaker. In a gesture of trust and shared passion for preservation, the new owner gave the restoration team free rein to breathe new life into the structure. Today, the team at Saving Time Design is working tirelessly to restore the home to its former glory. Each repaired floorboard and freshly painted wall brings this piece of Lilburn's history closer to a new chapter of usefulness and beauty.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement in historic preservation. It demonstrates how collaboration between property owners, local government, and passionate citizens can save irreplaceable pieces of our shared heritage. As work continues on the 1895 train conductor's home, it stands as a testament to Lilburn's commitment to honoring its past while embracing its future. The restored home will not only preserve a tangible link to the town's railroad history but also inspire future generations to value and protect the architectural treasures in their own communities.
We invite everyone to follow along on the journey to save time and history in and with this home. Details for an Open House to come, in the meantime feel free to follow along on Instagram. You can find us under savingtimedesign!
