Since 1972, when concerned citizens saved the historic property from demolition, the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center has enriched the Atlanta community serving as a unique arts center and cultural hub. Open seven days a week, each year, Callanwolde's esteemed faculty instructs classes serving approximately 5,700 children and adults. In addition, approximately 35,000 visitors experience Callanwolde's educational and creative spirit and enjoy its historic buildings and green space through activities including poetry readings, jazz concerts, dance performances, opera presentations, and gallery exhibits.
Callanwolde's popularity as a cultural venue has challenged its survival as a historic gem. The demand for classes, performances, exhibitions and facility rentals outpaces the space available. Many courses are held in inadequate spaces not designed for fine arts instruction. Heavy and continuous use of the facilities--along with natural aging-- has caused structural damage and deterioration to the aged wiring, flooring and plumbing. Several of the outer buildings have fallen into disrepair and the grounds are in need of significant improvements.
To accommodate the need for increased programming while preserving the historic property, the Board of Directors of The Callanwolde Foundation has launched a phased comprehensive campaign with an overall master plan goal of $10 million. Phase I, for $2.5 million, will fund priority needs, including restoration of the historic Bath House, renovations to make the mansion fully handicapped accessible, and completion of extensive landscaping and site improvements. Future phases will fund construction of a new arts education building, further restoration of the grounds and mansion, and establishment of a maintenance endowment.
Restoration of the Bath House $1,035,000
Prioritization of Callanwolde's funding objectives was driven by the urgent need to stabilize and restore the Bath House, which has fallen into disrepair. Renovation of this site will enhance the historical value of the property and will allow the Bath House to be used as a retreat center for corporate events, meetings and training programs, as well as small wedding receptions. The renovated space will also provide ideal space for yoga, writing and meditation classes, poetry readings, storytelling gatherings and other events.
To prevent further deterioration to the interior of the building, early campaign support has been used to repair the roof. Campaign funds will be used to:
Restore the interior wall plaster and replace the metal casement windows and wooden ceiling beams.
Install electrical, heating and air, and plumbing systems including restrooms.
Create a catering kitchen in the lower level of the Bath House to be used for meetings and retreats.
Establish a terrace with a custom-fitted tent for outdoor gatherings.
Install an elevator to ensure the space is fully handicapped accessible.
Landscaping and site improvements $1,100,000
Funds from the campaign will be used to Landscape approximately 3.6 acres, specifically to:
Create an amphitheater, with seating for 150 spectators, for concerts, storytelling and other performances.
Recreate the former "rose bowl" site to include an arbor and a hydrangea garden.
Restore the formal terraced garden and lily pond, which will lead to a woodland garden with a stone seating area.
Completely landscape the retreat center with stone paving, stairways, a water fountain and wood screen fencing.
Incorporate a path system with discreet, indirect lighting.
Construct a paved access road, which will lead to the retreat center and to parking for an additional 33 cars.
Renovations to make the mansion accessible for persons with disabilities $115,000
The administrative offices, several classrooms and an exhibit space are located on the upper floor. Though ramps have been added to the front entrance, parts of the house remain inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility. The addition of an elevator will enable all of Callanwolde's students, volunteers and guests to visit any part of the mansion, making the home fully accessible to all persons with disabilities.
To support Callanwolde Fine Arts Center's capital campaign to fund the restoration of the Bath House, completion of landscaping and site work, and renovations to make the mansion fully handicapped accessible, please make checks payable to:
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and mail to:
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Preserve a Priceless Gem Campaign
980 Briarcliff Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
If you have any questions, please contact our Development Office at 404-872-5338 or at info@callanwolde.org.
Callanwolde is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible within the limits of the law.
