Hurricane Helene Damage & Recovery at GHIA
3 of the 4 brick chimneys of Ware's Folly were blown over by strong winds, and debris caused damage to the roof and neighboring structures.
3 of the 4 brick chimneys of Ware's Folly were blown over by strong winds, and debris caused damage to the roof and neighboring structures.
The front steps and banister of Ware's Folly were struck by falling chimney debris.
The roof of the Walker Mackenzie Art Education Studio was torn back by the strong winds in several places.
The attic of the Walker Mackenzie Art Education Studio was exposed to the torrential rain during the storm, which caused water to seep into the Eastern second-story classroom.
A remediation crew was able to tarp the damaged sections of the roofs of both buildings before any more rain damaged the structure during the winter.
ABOUT THE STORM: Hurricane Helene hit Augusta, Georgia the morning of September 27, 2024 as a category 1 Hurricane. For most of the prior evening, forecasted storm trajectories were indicating that the storm’s eye would miss Augusta. This caused the residents of the area to be caught unprepared for the damages and subsequent utility outages that endured for weeks following the storm. While both buildings of the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art campus were damaged, countless structures across the region were demolished completely. We are grateful for relatively minor damages but somber at the impact Helene made to our community. Augusta continues to recover and remember those we lost to the storm.
GHIA Statement to Social Media, September 29, 2024 - “We are praying for everyone affected by the storm and absolutely heartbroken for our community. Wares Folly lost the tops of several chimneys and there are bricks scattered across the roof and back porch; one broken bannister in the front; and the metal roof of the education building peeled back exposing the attic. It's not great but all in all could have been so much worse. We are so lucky historic Ware's Folly is still standing and with no trees down or substantial leaks. Classes are canceled until further notice and students will be notified the best we can. Thank you for your patience and prayers for all.”
October 7, 2024 - GHIA staff returned to work full office hours once power was restored to the area.
October 14, 2024 - Art Classes Resumed at the Walker Mackenzie Art Education Studio on the campus of GHIA.
November 2024 - Cotton Global Disaster Solutions began the work to restore both buildings, estimating the costs for replacing the two entire roofs and repairing exterior and interior structures.
March 2025 - The roof of the Walker Mackenzie Art Education Studio was complete and interior rehabilitation began.
June 2025 - Interior rehabilitation of the art education studio was completed.
July 2025 - The roof replacement of the Ware’s Folly building was completed, as well as the restoration of the three brick chimneys that had been knocked over by the wind. Interior work continues.
August 2025 - Restoration of the Ware’s Folly building has been completed.
UPDATES
While both buildings were fully insured for damages, our deductible and monthly rates are very high. You can help us with this sudden blow to our annual budget with a donation. We are very grateful for your support!
MATCHING FUNDS UNTIL NOVEMBER 6, 2025: THANKS TO A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CSRA, ALL FUNDS DONATED TO GHIA UNTIL NOVEMBER 6 FOR HURRICANE RELIEF WILL BE MATCHED. Use the donation button below to contribute.
