Albany Dougherty Historic Preservation

Board Members:

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Dates

The Albany-Dougherty Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established to administer the Historic District.  The Commission is made up of eight citizens appointed by the City and County Commissions, who meet the first Wednesday of each month to review all proposals for exterior alterations, new construction, and demolition of buildings in the Historic District.  Property owners are not required to make any changes to their buildings.  However, if any exterior work is desired, whether or not it requires a building permit, it must first be reviewed by the HPC, which then issues a Certificate of Appropriateness for the work.  Interior alterations and the use of buildings are not subject to the review of the Commission.

All owners who wish to make exterior alterations (including repairs, cleaning, and painting) must apply with the Historic Preservation Planner on the staff of the Planning & Development Services Department (229-438-3933).  Minor and routine work, such as repairs, can sometimes be approved by the staff, all other items must be reviewed by the Commission.

HPC uses the Federal Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as the basis of its review.  The goal of the guidelines is to retain the distinctive and historic character for the community without placing undue financial burdens or time delays on building owners and/or residents.  For example, the guidelines recommend that windows and door openings not be enlarged or fitted in, that exterior replacement items (such as doors and windows) be similar in design and materials to the originals, and that new exterior paint colors be compatible with other building colors in the neighborhood.  The guidelines can be used as a guide to planning an exterior renovation project; in addition, the HPC and its staff are ready at anytime to personally assist building owners and/or residents in the Historic District.

From the stately Smith House to the vibrant Civil Rights heritage of the Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the Historic Tour highlighted some of the most important sites in Albany. For a look at the tour destinations, click here. 

Art Contest

This contest is an invitation to youth to explore and appreciate Albany’s significant historic resources by portraying a historic property in their preferred artist medium. Buildings are considered historic if they are at least 50 years old (built in 1961 or before). Students are encouraged to depict a historic building or site that has personal meaning to them.