Acworth's Historic McCray House Saved from Demolition

The beloved family home will be repurposed as a community coffee shop in downtown Acworth.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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After facing demolition to make way for a new hotel, the iconic McCray House in Acworth, Georgia has been saved and relocated to a new downtown site. The house, which has been in the McCray family since the 1960s, will be renovated and reopened as a community coffee shop, preserving an important piece of Acworth's history.

Why it matters

The McCray House is a beloved Acworth landmark that has hosted weddings, holiday celebrations, and a petting zoo over the decades, making it an integral part of the community's history and identity. Its preservation ensures that this historic home will continue to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

The details

The McCray House, built before the Civil War, was purchased by the McCray family in the 1960s. Over the years, the home hosted numerous community events and attractions, including holiday decorations, weddings officiated by the family patriarch, and a petting zoo that drew local children. When the home's original lot was slated for redevelopment into a new hotel, the city of Acworth stepped in to relocate the house to a downtown site just steps from its original location, spending $500,000 to facilitate the move and repurposing of the historic structure.

  • The McCray House was built before the Civil War.
  • The McCray family purchased the home in the 1960s.
  • Last month, the city of Acworth moved the home to a new downtown location to save it from demolition.
  • The renovation of the McCray House into a community coffee shop is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

The players

Moose McCray

A member of the McCray family, who owned the historic home for decades.

Becca Kienel

The president of Save Acworth History, an organization that advocated for the preservation of the McCray House.

Jeff Chase

The director of downtown development, tourism, and historic preservation for the city of Acworth, who oversaw the relocation and repurposing of the McCray House.

Ruby McCray

The matriarch of the McCray family, who was known for her elaborate holiday decorations that drew the community to the home.

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What they’re saying

“There's one. Before it was ever painted with snow on the ground.”

— Moose McCray (cbsnews.com)

“During the Civil War, most of the antebellum homes were burned, so we're happy whenever any homes can be saved.”

— Becca Kienel, President of Save Acworth History (cbsnews.com)

“During Easter, there would be rabbits hanging from trees. Valentines on Valentine's Day. Anytime there was a big holiday, she loved decorating that pasture for the little kids.”

— Moose McCray (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The renovation of the McCray House into a community coffee shop is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

The takeaway

The preservation of the historic McCray House in Acworth, Georgia is a testament to the power of community efforts to save beloved landmarks from demolition. This repurposing of the home into a coffee shop will ensure that it continues to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors, honoring the McCray family's legacy and Acworth's rich history.