140 Habersham St, Savannah, GA 31401

Remarks

FREDERICK BALL COTTAGE, C. 1805-10

This southern half of the Frederick Ball double house is part of an elite group of residences academically and meticulously restored during the 1990s by Mills Lane IV of The Beehive Foundation in partnership with historic preservation architect Harvie Jones of Huntsville, Alabama. Their goal was to restore important houses as authentically as possible yet have them serve as livable residential properties. Early 19th-century carpentry and finishing techniques were used whenever and wherever practicable.

The house has substantial original fittings including rare 12 over 12 window sashes, two mantels, the staircase, a lovely archway with a lantern hook in the front hall, most of the woodwork, with wainscoting and pine flooring throughout.

The original floorplan was restored except in the southern back quadrants, which were configured to house the modern conveniences of a kitchen and half-bath on the first floor, and a full-bath area, washer and dryer, and a large walk-in closet on the second floor. A modern, Federal-style double-porch, appropriate for the house and typical for Savannah, was added off the back of the house during the 1990 restoration to create additional living space. The cottage has a courtyard and off-street parking.

The restoration of the three Frederick Ball houses (the main house and the double house next door) received a 1991 Preservation Award from Historic Savannah Foundation. Due to the many substantial changes made over time to the northern half of the double house, this southern half is now under protective covenants with The Beehive Foundation.

The Frederick Ball Houses are located on Columbia Square, are centrally located within Savannah’s Historic Landmark District and in walking distance of most anywhere within the area.

Full documentation of the restorations of the three Frederick Ball Houses, including plans, photographs, and correspondence, is on file at The Beehive Foundation in Savannah, Georgia.