A Capital Campaign to Increase Capacity
A comprehensive feasibility study for Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s growth plan was conducted in May 2023. The study concluded that the plan—serving the community in a much larger capacity through renovation and expansion efforts—directly responds to the growing needs of our city, especially the populations we serve from under-resourced communities.
After months of due diligence in exploring effective and sustainable options to significantly increase community engagement efforts and keep up with demand, Callanwolde leadership determined that renovated spaces in the Mansion, the Carriage House, and the Conservatory, as well as the addition of new classroom space was needed. We launched the public phase of the Build. Inspire. Grow. Capital Campaign in the spring of 2024 to an incredible show of support.
"Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is an integral part of DeKalb County’s history and future. The investments they are making in underserved communities by providing free arts education benefits everyone."
-Michelle Long Spears
DeKalb County Commissioner – District 2
A New Direction
In January of 2025, we learned that the historic church at 999 Briarcliff Road—located directly across from Callanwolde—was for sale. For over 20 years, we have relied on its parking lot for overflow during large events. With only 114 parking spaces at Callanwolde, losing access would present serious logistical challenges.
This opportunity also offered a rare and timely alternative. The church property includes 28,500 sq. ft. of classroom capacity and 140 parking spaces, giving us the potential to expand Callanwolde's campus without new construction or tree removal. With moderate interior renovations, the facility can fully support our programmatic needs while preserving the surrounding historic landscape.
The church acquisition also allows us to meet or exceed all key goals of the original campaign. We will double capacity for underserved groups, including students receiving Title I and Title III support, veterans with PTSD and those facing housing insecurity. Dance programming will move out of the Mansion and more than double the amount of dance-floor space. Art classes (except pottery, jewelry, and blacksmithing) will relocate to the new property, freeing space on campus to help accommodate the 200-person pottery waitlist through renovations to the Conservatory and Carriage House.
Given this new direction, we have renamed the campaign Preserve. Inspire. Grow. This exciting opportunity allows us to preserve the integrity of the Callanwolde estate while expanding our reach and services.
Read the full Case for Investment:
2026 Campaign Update
With substantial help from DeKalb County, the church property was acquired on December 17, 2025. Funds originally allocated to the Flex Art Building and new Pottery Building have been shifted to finance the purchase and restoration of the church property. Our lease, which DeKalb County amended to include the new property, now extends to 2064. The building will be named after Candler family descendants Mr. and Mrs. William C. Warren III and affectionately called “the Warren.”
No major construction is planned for the church building, however it will require fire safety and ADA upgrades, additional sinks, HVAC repairs, and elevator installation. The largest upgrades will be resurfacing the parking lot and adding a storm water retention area. To maintain the historic integrity of the building, we plan to cover the cross-shaped stained glass with a trellis on the exterior and a banner on the interior.
Dance, painting, drawing, darkroom photography, weaving, and many of the veterans classes will move to the Warren. At our existing campus, pottery will take over the Carriage House and the Conservatory (the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs will retain their office space). This will double the amount of classroom space for pottery, allowing us to finally address our 200 person waiting list.
We are still accepting donations for the capital campaign and would prefer to exceed our goal of $9.5 million to cover any unexpected expenses.
