Sometimes the journey is short, and the real challenges are often unseen.
Hillcrest has come a long way and we’ve started to learn more of its story. You can see the trauma and the beauty that has been hidden. The past year is only 1/128th of its journey, 1/10th a mile from where it was built, but brand new hope.
Part of walking by faith is not having all of the answers.
Knowing what is possible, making a plan for it, even if it seems challenging. This project has had its fair share of sticks and stones. The attachment to the Hillcrest building is undeniable for Dahlonega. Its history runs deep and is still felt by many in the community, even before its journey as ConnectAbility’s home began. It has taken on a powerful meaning to have the stability, security, and familiarity to call something a home.
From the beginning, everyone has questioned: is it possible?
Scars are part of the story, but they don’t define you.
More has happened to this faithful old building than in the previous 127 years of its existence. Looking at past scars brings to light the parallels between the Hillcrest House, ConnectAbility and the people they will serve.
While preparing the building to move, the immediate evidence was that Hillcrest had suffered a fire. The building had electricity installed when it was built in 1898. The front-left ceiling shows that the primitive electrical wiring had likely started a fire that spread to the roof covering the wrap-around porch. It survived a fire unknown years ago to become a home for another survivor.
ConnectAbility’s housing journey over 25 years has always been challenging.
The dream started with respite events in borrowed space. Transitioning to a leased one-room office on the second floor, where access was stairway-only. To a large building, dated as it was, with space and accessibility, which burned in 2019.
ConnectAbility survived; Hillcrest survived. They both have incredibly deep roots in Dahlonega, a strong foundation and really good bones to continue something great.
Bringing beauty into light
A local man learned about the move and carried a picture of the house, his grandmother’s childhood home. It was taken around 1905 and shows the original details that had long been lost. Craftsmanship forgotten to time and it’s going to be restored.
It’s time the community is able to experience Hillcrest, not as an abandoned building at risk of demolition, not as a place of mourning, but as a place where history can enrich lives. A place of memories and growth, a truly accessible place for a community where everyone is valued, included and empowered.
Serving others changes you.
ConnectAbility and Hillcrest’s stories have merged. Hillcrest is taking on new features, indoor plumbing for example! Changes that mean it serves everyone: accessible bathrooms, a ramp to the wrap-around porch, elevator access to every floor. It will bring people together of all abilities because that builds a strong community. It gives new experiences and it changes people.
Pushing forward patiently, persistently and faithfully.
The dream is to bring the excluded into the community, give equal access, confidence and freedom to those impacted by disabilities.
This project continues to face the same challenges many people do: time, transportation, government hurdles, accessibility, emotional and financial strain.
Each new day, also a new joy.
In the heat of summer, Hillcrest has taken on a cool Victorian green exterior. The color found on siding preserved under decades-old additions. Behind the construction fence, the original railings are being reconstructed; the future home of comfortable rocking chairs.
Plumbing, power, networking, and cables – several miles worth – have been installed. The latest step: insulation. Ensuring a quiet, comfortable space. Exciting historic finds include an Eastlake-inspired lantern hook for the hallway stairs, original-era light fixtures and a first-generation ceiling fan.
Touched by fire, growing for others, the journey continues.
Rescuing this historic building is hard work. Including people with disabilities in the community is hard work. If it was easy, more people would be doing it.
If you would like to be involved, can contribute financially or have a story about the building, we look forward to speaking with you. Contact Jacque Daniel, jacque@connectabilityinc.org. Learn more about the history of Hillcrest House online here: https://northgrovestreet.com/