The City of Roswell has officially begun the careful deconstruction of Doc’s Café, a historic landmark that has long served as a cornerstone of the Groveway community. This next step in the City’s efforts to protect a treasured Roswell asset ensures that architecturally and culturally significant materials are carefully documented and cataloged for potential future use, while residents and community stakeholders are actively engaged in shaping the landmark’s future.
“Doc’s Café is more than a building—it’s a symbol of our community’s history and culture,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “By carefully documenting and cataloging its elements, we are honoring the past while planning for a future where the stories of this landmark can continue to be shared with generations to come.”
Over the years, Doc’s Cafe has undergone modern renovations, and while some areas of the structure are in poor condition, the City has chosen careful deconstruction as an alternative to demolition. Experts in architecture, cultural history, and historic documentation are evaluating the structure and cataloging materials through 3D laser scans and CAD drawings, prioritizing those elements that hold the most historical and cultural significance. This process not only safeguards the materials but also provides detailed visual documentation and assessment to guide future design plans and ensure a thoughtful approach to reconstruction.
“This project is about community, history, and storytelling,” said Steven Malone, Director of Recreation, Parks, Cultural and Historic Affairs. “Through collaboration and careful work, Doc’s Café will continue to be a landmark where history lives on and stories are shared for generations. This project reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to Service Excellence and ensuring that Roswell’s heritage remains visible and meaningful for everyone.”
Why This Project Matters
This project addresses two key needs:
- Safekeeping structural elements during planning and deconstruction.
- Providing detailed documentation and assessment to guide future design and interpretation efforts.
A stakeholder committee composed of residents, historians, and city partners will help guide the project’s vision. By maintaining these historic elements, the City ensures that Doc’s Café continues to serve as a physical marker of Black community culture and heritage in Roswell, while also offering residents and visitors a richer interpretation of the city’s shared history. Plans for a permanent location will be announced in the future.
The City has partnered with Prime Construction and Columbia Engineering, with a total project budget of $112,279.84, funded through the City’s Capital Project Fund.
Project Phases
- Planning & Documentation: 3D scans and architectural drawings capture the building’s current condition.
- Deconstruction: Experts carefully dismantle the structure and identify significant materials.
- Catalog & Storage: Salvaged elements are documented, photographed, and securely stored.
- Community Visioning: Residents, historians, and city partners guide future design intent.
For updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes stories, visit RoswellConnections.com.
