Though officially known as the SOWEGA (Southwest Georgia Melon Growers Association) Building, this landmark, designed by the Atlanta architectural firm of Daniell & Butell, is generally referred to as the Watermelon Building, due to the small watermelon ornaments between the second and third floors. The association was a cooperative formed in 1921 to help area farmers maximize profits for their crops; the SOWEGA Building was constructed at a time when Cook County was dubbed “The Watermelon Capital of the World”. They also published a newspaper for members, The Sowega Standard, which was produced in this building. The Del-Cook Lumber Company purchased the building in 1960, and the Metcalf Lumber Company in 1986. After years of general disrepair, it has recently been restored.

National Register of Historic Places