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Published Tuesday, February 21, 2012 in Opinion

Senoia once again in Southern Living's Idea House spotlight

Editorial

There aren't too many special events that can attract tourists and show off a town more than to have "Southern Living" magazine choose your town as the site to build an Idea House.

To have that happen twice in two years is unprecedented. That's right it had never happened before, until Southern Living -- which had an Idea House in Senoia in 2010 --decided to have another Idea House in the East Coweta town this year.

You may have read the news story updating the project in Monday's Newnan Times-Herald.

The 2012 Idea House is under construction. It will open to the public in June and stay open through the end of the year attracting thousands of visitors.

This Idea House is unique. It's the first time a Southern Living Idea House has been a restoration project, instead of a new house. The house dates back to the 1850s or earlier and was located on the property which was formerly the site of McKnight Cotton gin. This house is being moved to a new site on the Gin property, near where the 2010 Idea House was built.

So why did Southern Living want to come back to Senoia, which was the first small town ever selected for an Idea House?

Scott Tigchelaar, developer of both Idea Houses, said as the 2010 project was closing down, "I mentioned to them -- it's been a great experience for us, we'd love to have you back one day."

The Southern Living people said they would love to come back. They asked about the old house on the Gin property. When they heard it would be restored, they said, "When you get to that point, let us know."

That point is now, and Southern Living is back for 2012.

We have been impressed with the giant steps Senoia has taken in recent years to redevelop and grow the town, yet preserve the small town feel that has existed there over the years.

Good things are happening in Senoia, and the impact of two Southern Living Idea House is a significant plus for the community.

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