Johns Creek's Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is a bit more polished these days after the city made several enhancements to the buildings. Pack a lunch, pile in the car, and come see the picturesque landscape's improvements.
City crews, working with the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association, finished a number of maintenance and code compliance projects to the Old Warsaw Church, the Green Country Store, the Program Barn, and the Summerour House. Additionally, an apartment attached to the Visitors Center was extensively rehabilitated. The improvements, which started in August and finished in February, were on time and within the proposed budget costing $75,500 to complete.
"When we made improvements, we made sure the paint textures and colors matched the original," said Robby Newton, City Parks Manager. "We tried to go about it in a way that made sure the historic integrity of the buildings was preserved."
The city removed propane tanks at the Program Barn and upgraded its heating and air conditioning system to be more efficient. At the Summerour House, crews installed emergency lighting. They also anchored the foundation at the Green Country Store so it could better withstand high winds. Workers made several improvements to an on-site apartment, which is rented to a police officer for additional security.
Autrey Mill features a Heritage Village of four buildings original to the site and four other landmark structures moved from nearby properties, all dating from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.
Come and walk the two miles of trails through the forest within this 46-acre nature preserve. Complimented by a scenic creek with rock shoals, spring seeps, native plants, a variety of animal life, and replicas of Native American dwellings; it's sure to please the whole family.
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