DOT redraws highway plan to avoid demolishing historic house

BUTLER - The Georgia Department of Transportation has agreed to redraw highway-expansion plans so a historic house in Taylor County can stand untouched.<br> <br> Its owner, 62-year-old Betty Bailey, couldn&#39;t be happier. Earlier this year, Bailey offered the DOT her 30 acres across U.S. 19 if the state would agree not to take her house and adjoining buildings.<br> <br> The department said Wednesday that the two-story, five-bedroom house is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It has agreed to widen the U.S. Highway 90 on the side opposite the house.<br> <br> The house, built in 1927 by the late contractor J.W. Bennett of Miami, features elements of Spanish colonial architecture such as stucco walls, clay-tile roofing and arched parapet over the front door.<br> <br> Years later it had fallen into disrepair. Bailey and her husband, who has since died, bought the house in 1989 and spent thousands of dollars renovating it and the surrounding property.<br> <br> Road work began in 1995, and Bailey asked for the help of the Georgia Historic Preservation Division to escape the shadow of the wrecking ball. Division specialists said the Florida-style house built 75 years ago appeared eligible for the National Register.<br> <br> But, district planning engineer Tom Queen said authorities didn&#39;t share the same sentiment about the site because &#34;it was not a type of home recognized in Georgia&#34; for the National Register.<br> <br> &#34;It had apparently had alterations made to it that at the time detracted from its original construction,&#34; Queen said. &#34;This is a win-win for the property owner, the DOT and for historic preservation.&#34;<br> <br> &#34;I am absolutely thrilled,&#34; said Randi Doveton, Taylor County zoning administrator and county historic preservation officer. &#34;The state Historic Preservation Division was wonderful in helping us assess this. We are really proud the DOT was flexible enough to work with us.&#34;