N. Fulton city seeks input on future use for pre-Civil War mansion

Roswell bought Mimosa Hall this summer for $2.95 million. Now the city is asking its residents for input on what to do with the 1841 home.

Roswell bought Mimosa Hall this summer for $2.95 million. Now the city is asking its residents for input on what to do with the 1841 home.

Roswell isn’t sure what to do with Mimosa Hall.

The mansion that predates the Civil War was purchased by the city for $2.95 million in August. It sits on nine acres of land at 127A Bulloch Ave.

To figure out a use for the historic home, Roswell is looking to its residents. The city launched an online survey to gauge suggestions from its citizens.

The survey has just two questions: How would you like to see Mimosa Hall used? And, how should the city pay for maintaining it?

For usage, options include historic preservation, tourism, economic development or a park. As for paying for it, options include taxes from the city’s general fund, self-sustaining or partnering with a non-profit. Each question also has a space where residents can make their own suggestions on usage and pay.

Mimosa Hall was built in 1841 for John Dunwoody, a shareholder in the Roswell Manufacturing company. A fire damaged some of the walls and was rebuilt with brick in 1846.

The house spans over 6,308 square feet and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The area around the house features 14 gardens.

In 1947, the home was bought by Granger Hansell and remained in the family up until the city purchased it. Roswell also bought some of the home's furniture for $30,000.

Roswell councilman Donald J. Horton — who recently ran for the office of mayor in the city — told the AJC in June that the council wanted the house to be "a wonderful venue the community can gather around."

Mimosa Hall will also be discussed at a 5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday for the Administration, Finance, and Recreation and Parks Committee, according to an agenda.

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