Greenrock Partners,

Background

In addition to his work in historic restoration, Jay boasts nearly 50 years of experience in landscape architecture and planning. His portfolio ranges from intimate backyard gardens to master plans of sprawling 1500-acre developments. His expertise encompasses residential gardens, office parks, apartment communities, mixed-use developments, streetscapes, parks, and trail systems.

His journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 1975. After a brief tenure with the Board of Regents, Jay realized his calling was outside the government sphere. Thus, he embarked on his entrepreneurial path, founding his firm. Jay has predominantly thrived as the head of his own company, apart from a few stints with other design firms.

Navigating Challenges

Jay's company continually balances the challenges of acquiring new work, fulfilling existing contracts, and securing funding. He shares,

"Years ago, funding for these crucial restoration projects was virtually nonexistent, leading to the loss of many historically significant properties. We hope that funding will continue for decades to come, but nothing is certain. That's why we are relentlessly pursuing every opportunity to secure funding and restore as many properties as we can."

In light of this, he attributes his success to a positive outlook, determination, resilience in the face of failure, and adaptability in changing circumstances.

Current Projects

This year, Jay aims to secure funding and restore as many Civil Rights-related historic sites as possible. Driven by the need to preserve these endangered landmarks, he is determined to overcome the challenge of securing funding. In the future, restoring the Historic Dasher School in Valdosta, a high school for black students opened in 1929, will be a significant milestone in this mission. However, Jay's current projects span across Georgia, with expansions into Alabama and North Carolina on the horizon. Among these remarkable undertakings are:

• The Historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, Atlanta: Once the home church of Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

• The Historic Ashby Theater, Atlanta: A vital cultural hub for the black community from 1934 to 1970.

• The Historic Americus Colored Hospital, Americus, GA: The first full-service hospital for African Americans between Raleigh and New Orleans, operational from 1923 to 1953, later serving as a community center and Freedom School.

• Historic Campbell Chapel AME Church, Americus, GA: Designed and built in 1920 by Georgia's first registered black architect.

• Historic Girard Elementary School, Girard, GA: Functioning as a segregated elementary school from 1955 to 1987, serving as a testament to the era's educational struggles and triumphs.

Collaboration

Always eager to connect, learn, and share, Jay understands that the next opportunity could arise from any conversation. His readiness to mentor, collaborate, and engage with others in his network underscores his commitment to his craft and the broader community of preservation and landscape architecture professionals.