1. Is The Fischer Mansion Worthy of Historic Designation

Yes. The Fischer Mansion aka. Flowerland, was built between 1926 and 1930, and served as the home for Dr. Luther Fischer, co-founder of the Crawford Long Hospital and his wife Lucy Hurt Fischer, the niece of Joel Hurt, a famous Atlanta developer. The Fischer Mansion was designed by the firm Hentz, Adler, and Shutze. Phillip Trammell Shutze, the principal architect for the Mansion also designed the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center, The Hurt Building, Glenn Memorial Church (1931), the Temple (1930-31), the Education Building (1939) at Emory University, Calhoun House, Citizens, and Southern National Bank, Rhodes House, and East Lake Country Club as well as many other prominent Atlanta Landmarks. He is one of Georgia's most prominent architects and his properties are highly valued by the people of Georgia.

As a result of this discovery, the DeKalb County Planning Dept. has ordered a moratorium (not an injunction) on the issuance of all building permits for any work involving the Fischer Mansion pending a study involving the church, the planning department as well as preservation experts.

Over the past several months, preservation, history and construction experts, have been consulted and have offered various forms of assistance in "Saving the Fischer Mansion". The experts consulted include published architectural historians, planners, architects and contractors from organizations such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, The Atlanta History Center, Dekalb County Government, the Georgia EPA, Emory Crawford Long Hospital, The Georgia Trust, The Atlanta Preservation Society and other prominent organizations and agencies interested in protecting and preserving Georgia's architectural and historical heritage.

2. Is the Fischer Mansion structurally UN-sound?

NO. The CEO of a major historic restoration firm based in both Atlanta and London recently examined the exterior and interior of the Fischer Mansion. He reported that: "The Fischer Mansion appears to be in stable structural condition. There is no apparent external evidence of differential settlement. The four columns that 'support' the portico, although in need of repair (and they can be easily repaired) do not appear to be failing. The columns do not appear to be structural in nature and that the roof structure is partially cantilevered from the wall structure. In lay terms, the columns DO NOT provide the principle support for the roof structure. There is no apparent sagging in the portico roof line, neither are there external fissures which would evidence stress.

Apart from one crack to the right side of the front entrance of the veranda (previously repaired, and showing no signs of further movement), there is no deviation in the stone sill and the joints are sound. No further deterioration is apparent."

It should be noted that the current roof was replaced four years ago. The decision was made to pay for an extended life roof rather than a less expensive roof replacement.

The London/Atlanta based company have been involved in many major restoration projects which have included such sites as the Rhodes House, the Atlanta Biltmore, the Hay House in Macon, Kensington Palace in London, Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, and Buckingham Palace in London.

3. Are there serious safety code violations in the Mansion?

NO. According the Dekalb County officials, who enforce the building code, the code problems are minimal. A structure which has been granted historic designation is exempt from most building codes. This ruling was made to facilitate restoration and prevent changes to the structure that could impact the historic character of the building. In cases where safety is an issue, county officials are given the latitude to recommend changes that address the safety issues without affecting the historic character of the building.

4. Is the Fischer mansion unsafe because of asbestos and mold?

NO. An inspector from the Georgia EPA explained that in Georgia, there is no requirement for asbestos to be removed from any structure, unless the asbestos-containing materials are in danger of being disturbed due to demolition. In the event of renovation or other form of major construction, encapsulation and/or abatement may only be necessary in the area affected by the construction or renovation. He further stated that in homes or commercial properties where asbestos exists, the asbestos has NOT been found to pose a threat to those who work or live there. Asbestos exists in the outside air we breath and in the earth we walk on. Many schools have asbestos in them and by regulation, schools must be inspected by the EPA once a year. However, it is not necessary for the asbestos to be removed from the schools unless it has become damaged.

Asbestos does pose a real and imminent danger if a building containing asbestos is demolished. Therefore, it is a state and federal requirement that ALL asbestos be removed from the structure by a licensed abatement contractor BEFORE the building is demolished. Removal on that scale is very expensive and must follow strict EPA guidelines. In most cases, the cost of asbestos abatement (removal) in preparation for demolition is equal to the cost of voluntary removal prior to restoration.

According to the EPA official consulted, it is far better NOT to demolish such a building if it can be restored or repaired. The historic restoration expert who recently toured the Fischer Mansion also said that in its present condition the Mansion does not pose any serious health hazard. The asbestos (which is only evident in the material surrounding the pipes in the boiler can be easily encapsulated. According to the EPA, though asbestos may exist in other materials used in the construction, the possibility of it being a health hazard is highly unlikely based on experience with similar structures.

Health Issues Associated With Mold

All restoration experts we consulted, including the Georgia EPA and CDC, stated that the mold commonly present in older buildings could be easily treated and removed, all at a nominal cost. The most common remedy is to wipe the mold off the surface with a sponge soaked in a Clorox and water mixture and to put a dehumidifier in the room. According to the EPA expert consulted, mold DOES NOT pose a serious health hazard and can be removed. Only a small percentage of people have adverse reactions to mold. Most of those individuals have allergic reactions to many airborne allergens such as rag weed, pollen, dust etc.. The reported symptoms in these individuals to mold exposure are similar to symptoms experienced when exposed to any airborne allergy.

5. Is it true that once a property is designated as a historic property, it can no longer be altered in any way by the owner?

NO. It is clearly stated in both the guidelines for the National Registry for Historic Places and the Dekalb County Planning Guidelines for historically designated properties that owners have the right to make any modifications to the interior of the property as needed, provided those modifications do not detract from the EXTERIOR appearance of the building. It is further stated that MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS CAN BE MADE to the exterior provided those modifications are consistent with the architectural spirit /intent of the original designer and the period when the building was designed.

6. Does the owner lose control by accepting grants?

NO. According to experts consulted who have applied for and received grants, authority does not have to be turned over to an historical society or any other group. In most cases the only requirement that is typically made by foundations in giving grants is that the "spirit" and intent of the exterior architecture be retained.

The interior configuration can be changed at the owner's discretion, and additions can even be added to the exterior as long as exterior changes are done in keeping with the architectural style and intent of the original architect and period.

7. Were the initial cost estimates reported by the present owner to repair the Mansion accurate?

NO. Based on initial discussions with historic restoration experts, the cost could actually be significantly less than the estimates cited by previous contractors because:

• The Fischer Mansion is actually in much better condition than originally believed.
• Historical status would allow for the consideration of fire and life safety code compliance alternatives.
• Environmental hazards are not as serious as former contractors may have reported.
• Grants can be obtained to supplement the costs of repairs.

8. What can the community do to help save the Mansion?

• Tell others about Save the Mansion and tell them about our web site http://savethemansion.org
• Complete and submit the electronic petition "Speak Out" on the web site.
• Take an active role to help preserve the beauty of the Fischer Mansion for many generations to come. Please write us at info@savethemansion.org

9. About 'Save the Mansion' 

The Save The Mansion Committee (STMC) has been established to research alternatives to the demolition of the Fischer Mansion as well as the historical significance of the mansion itself. The information contained in this document represents extensive research by many people. Every effort has been made to report accurate information.