National Trust asks UGA to save Rutherford Hall

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has added its voice to the hue and cry over the possible demolition of historic Rutherford Hall on UGA’s south campus.

John Hildreth, director of the Trust’s Southern office in Charleston, wrote a letter to UGA President Michael Adams expressing his concerns about the university’s plans.

The National Trust advocates for public participation in saving historic structures. It  joins local and state preservationists, UGA alums and others  in Athens who don’t want to see the 1939 building torn down to make way for a larger residence hall.

UGA officials have said that need to be remedied. And they say a new, larger building will be able to accommodate more paying students.

The National Trust, however, “maintains grave concerns” regarding the idea of demolishing the building. It is roughly the same age as two of the other other, now renovated, buildings in the Myers Quad, Soule Hall and Mary Lyndon Hall. The three buildings, like the sprawling Myers, which was built in 1953, housed young women.

Most concerning to the Trust is that the decision to tear down Rutherford has been made “in the absence of a comprehensive policy addressing the treatment of historic buildings located on the university campus,” writes Hildreth.

Preservation magazine this month carries an online story about the building.

Amy Kissane, director of the , says “I think it is fairly significant that the Trust has decided to weigh in on this.”

Since the university unveiled its plans earlier this summer, an online petition to save Rutherford Hall has been created.  

UGA spokesman Tom Jackson said President Adams hasn't yet made a decision on Rutherford Hall. He said architects are looking at several options, the president will be touring the building again and then will consider which option works best.

Jackson said he doesn't have a timeline for the decision "but it won't be imminent."