Phase I Cultural Resources Survey: The Manor Development Tract, Fulton County, Georgia

Background research conducted at the Georgia State Site Files revealed that no previously recorded archaeological sites are in or near the project area. Background research was conducted at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, to determine if any previously recorded architectural resources could be affected by the project. No listed or nominated NRHP resources are located within or near the project tract. Research revealed 10 previously identified historic resources that are outside of the project tract, but could be visually affected by the project. These resources are identified as Resource FU‑NF‑218 through FU‑NF‑227. Additionally, another previously identified resource (Resource FU‑NF‑228) is in the project tract. These resources are houses and commercial buildings dating from the 1880s to the 1940s.

The focus of the Phase I archaeological survey was to locate any previously unidentified cultural resources and to determine if any were significant based on criteria used to determine their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The soils throughout the project tract exhibited a great deal of disturbance. Typical stratigraphy consisted of sterile red clay with gravel inclusions at the surface. A positive shovel test occurred at only one locale (ISOF 1). Additional close interval shovel tests were placed around the single shovel test. Isolated Find 1 (ISOF 1) is located east of Hopewell Road at the northern end of the project tract. It consisted of one chert flake. Close interval shovel testing in the area yielded entirely negative results. We recommend that this resource is not eligible for the NRHP and requires no further management consideration.

The historic architecture survey was designed to evaluate eligibility for the NRHP of all historic architectural resources (buildings, structures, objects, designed landscapes, and/or sites with aboveground components) that could be affected by the project. The 11 previously identified resources were re‑examined and evaluated. Seven additional resources were identified and surveyed. One of these resources is in the project tract (Resource 2). The remaining six resources (Resource 3, Resource 4, Resource 5, Resource 11, Resource 12, and Resource 13) are near the project tract and could be visually affected by the project. Of the 18 identified historic architectural resources, eight (Resources FU‑NF‑219 and FU‑NF‑221, FU‑NF‑223, FU‑NF‑224, and Resource 2, 5, 12, 13) are recommended eligible for the NRHP. The remaining 10 resources are recommended not eligible for the NRHP, and require no further management considerations.

The proposed project will have no adverse effect on Resources FU‑NF‑219, FU‑NF‑221, FU-NF‑223, FU‑NF‑224, and Resource 5. These resources are not in the project tract and the project will not adversely affect their viewsheds. Resource 2 is in the project tract and current plans will result in the demolition of this structure. We recommend amending plans to avoid demolishing this structure. If demolition cannot be avoided, we recommend a large format photograph documentation of this building. Resources 12 and 13 are not in the project tract, but the proposed project could have adverse effects upon these resource 's viewshed. We recommend an undeveloped 15‑meter (50‑foot) buffer along the southwestern edge of the project tract. If this buffer is maintained, then potentially adverse effects to Resources 12 and 13 will be minimized.