Media release from the Rome Area Heritage Foundation:
Thanks to a grant from the Rome Area Heritage Foundation (RAHF), the College Heights Historic District has been outfitted with 17 new markers capping street signs throughout the neighborhood. The project, spearheaded by local real estate agents Jeb Arp and Katie Edwards — who also helped fund the initiative — included the replacement of faded signs that were more than 15 years old. Some markers had become completely illegible, while several had disappeared altogether. The refreshed oval signs were installed on existing street signage by the City of Rome’s Public Works Department.
“When we receive grant requests, initiatives like this one are a natural and obvious fit, and that’s why we were thrilled to partner with Jeb and Katie,” said Don Walls, co-president of the RAHF board of directors. “Due in part to its geographical location and layout, College Heights is sometimes overlooked. These markers will help reinforce a sense of place and provide context regarding how College Heights fits into the larger story of Rome and Floyd County.”
Both Arp and Edwards, REALTORs at Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc., share a personal interest in historic preservation, represent clients buying and selling within the district, and live in College Heights themselves.
“There is a special pride and sense of community that exists in our neighborhood,” said Edwards. “This is a small token of thanks we are able to give back to the neighbors who have so graciously welcomed our families into the College Heights fold. We truly love being part of this community!”
Besides refreshed fonts and an inverted color palette, a brand-new addition to the signage is the “c. 1911” designation, commemorating the neighborhood’s 115-year history. The new markers were produced locally by Fast Printing & Signs, which has been a generous sponsor of several RAHF events in the past.
“College Heights holds its own when it comes to history, architecture, and a unique quality of life — surrounded by natural beauty — that we all enjoy,” said Arp. “Rome’s story is truly interwoven throughout the district, and it has been a pleasure to play a small role in keeping that history alive.”
Featuring curvilinear, tree-lined streets, College Heights holds the distinction of being Rome’s first residential community designed with automobiles in mind. Situated south of the eastern end of Shorter Avenue, the neighborhood’s history is closely intertwined with neighboring Shorter University. In 1910, when plans were made to relocate Shorter College from downtown Rome, real estate developer and merchant Capt. J.L. Bass — for whom Bass Avenue was named — played a pivotal role. He offered his estate, Maplehurst, along with 20 acres of land for the relocation. The all-female college purchased an additional 135 acres from Capt. Bass to create the school’s original footprint. The earliest records set the residential neighborhood’s founding at approximately 1911. Recognizing its historical significance and deep ties to local heritage, the Rome City Commission designated College Heights as a local historic district in 2000. College Heights is Rome’s only historic district located within the 30165 ZIP code.
“We hope these markers not only help contribute to a renewed sense of community pride but also provide something fun and educational for passersby who want to learn more about Rome’s five unique locally-designated historic districts,” added Walls.
Any organization in Floyd County seeking to preserve history is invited to apply for funding from RAHF for eligible programs and projects. These include, but are not limited to, interior/exterior restoration, cemetery restoration, research to document the history of a building or artifact, master plans for restoration, and scholarships for area students to study preservation. All proceeds raised from membership drives, business sponsorships, and signature events — including the Christmas Tour of Homes (which featured College Heights in 2024) — support local preservation initiatives like the grants program that funded the district’s new signage.
To learn more about how to support the work of the Rome Area Heritage Foundation and other ways to get involved, find RAHF on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.RomeAreaHeritageFoundation.org.
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