Newtown Community House ready for renovations in Johns Creek

Jennifer Chapman
Johns Creek Herald

Monday, February 9, 2009                             Next Article


The Newtown Park Community House has served as a meeting space for local residents for almost 50 years. It has also served as a court house location and voting precinct as well.

Events and functions have taken a toll on the building located on Old Alabama Road.

Now, thanks to $125,000 in Special Services District funding from Fulton County, the community house will get a much-needed face-lift.

A full renovation on the building will include an increase of meeting space, updated restrooms, a new roof, porch and landscaping. The new building will be constructed where the current structure sits.

          
Newtown Park Community Foundation President Lynn Pennington, left, and Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley look over plans for the new Newtown Park Community House. Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

“This is ideal for HOA meetings, birthday parties and lectures,” said Lynn Pennington, president of the Newtown Park Community Foundation, a non-profit organization that will oversee the project. “We’re looking forward to the new building. We think it’s going to be a great asset to the community.” 

Members of the foundation, as well as Mayor Mike Bodker, City Council members and construction representatives gathered for a final walk-through of the building Jan. 30. Construction is expected to begin in a few weeks.

Members of the foundation, as well as Mayor Mike Bodker, City Council members and construction representatives gathered for a final walk-through of the building Jan. 30. Construction is expected to begin in a few weeks.

“This is a goodbye party for a building that was needed for a small community,” said Pennington.

Kirk Franz, Johns Creek Parks and Recreation director, said he receives several phone calls inquiring about meeting space in the community. He said the refurbished community house will be on the list of recommended locations.

“This building will definitely serve our citizens,” said Franz.

The Newtown Park Community House was not included in the Newtown Park Master Plan of 2006, according to Pennington. During that time, Ga. Department of Transportation laid out plans for expanding Old Alabama Road that would subsequently lead to tearing down the house. That is no longer the case, said Pennington, as the road construction plans have changed.