A Downtown Jewel: The Georgian

Photo Credit: Jill Wright

by Jill Wright
04/25/2008

Most of the time we walk around Athens and dream of our tomorrows. After all that is the point of college, to prepare students for tomorrow. Recently I had the privilege of visiting the historic Georgian building on Washington Street next to the courthouse.

As soon as I walked into the beautiful lobby I was transported back a hundred years. The marble floor, columns, crystal chandeliers and arched stained glass windows drew me back to the horse and buggy days when this building stood as an elegant hotel that greeted countless famous guests.

Charming ballrooms with high ceilings, colorful walls and columns flank either side of the lobby.

I am certain many beautiful dresses have passed this way and, surprisingly, still do today.

I was so intrigued that I did some research and found the Georgian was the original location of the one of Athens' first two public schools, but was converted to a hotel in 1909 and now is locally designated as an Historical Landmark.

It looks like a birthday celebration is in order next year for this distinguished establishment.

Anthony Ten Eyck Brown, who also designed the courthouse next door, designed the building as a 125-room hotel. It was the first hotel in Georgia to have an air-conditioned restaurant and to offer telephones in guest rooms.

Author Margaret Mitchell, Governors Eugene and Herman Talmadge and Dr. Harmon Caldwell, former president of UGA, were among the guests of the Georgian Hotel. During World War II the Georgian allowed nurses to occupy the second floor.

In 1985 the hotel was converted into luxury condominiums and renamed the Georgian.

When I walked in the door of a fourth floor condo I was greeted with spectacular views of Athens by way of the huge arched windows. I could see across north campus and to the top of the stadium.

Amazingly, the windows still operate on their original chain pulley and weight system. The upgrades were beautiful, with wood floors throughout and granite counter tops. Very inviting.

Downstairs, the ground floor provides dining, entertainment and office space. Currently Trumps, a successful catering service, offers service in five different ballrooms in the building.

Ladies and gentlemen of all ages are still arriving to the ball, although not in a horse-drawn buggy, but nevertheless ready to enjoy the elegant grace of this downtown jewel.