Land Trust Office

HISTORY

The building that stands at 1810 Frederica Road carries its own bit of local history. In the 1970s, it was built as a private residence and a generation of neighborhood children grew up swinging from a rope into the pond at the back of the property.  Eventually the home was sold and used as office space for commercial businesses. Most recently, the property was sometimes used as the site of the community-loved “Golden Elephant” event sponsored by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. The upscale resale marketplace served as an annual fundraiser for the Symphony.

In 2016, this property was purchased by a developer and was slated to become the county’s next Dollar General Store. Immediately, the St. Simons community rallied together to stand against this possible commercial development. After much negotiation, the Land Trust and the developer struck a deal. And through the generosity of a $4 million challenge grant from The Anschutz Foundation and the successful launch of The Canopy Campaign in 2018, the purchase of several important properties, including 1810 Frederica Road, was made possible.  The nearby site of the former Mildred Huie Museum was also acquired during the 2018 campaign, and both properties now serve as island green spaces and are protected in perpetuity.

FEATURES

The Land Trust’s office sits on 1.42 acres covered in live oak and southern magnolia trees, redbuds, and azaleas. The land serves as the Land Trust’s main headquarters, but it is also a pocket park for the entire community to enjoy. The front yard features a “Little Free Library” (Charter #108710) that is filled with books for all ages. With a nearby bench and bike rack, it’s a perfect resting point and reading spot for bikers and walkers as they head down Frederica Road.