Peggy Bramblette recently reached out to let us know that the historic New Perry Hotel, perhaps the best-known symbol of this Middle Georgia town, was facing possible demolition. A week passed and I was not surprised to learn that the demolition is imminent. I’ve witnessed a long history of developers convincing local politicians to agree to the erasure of local landmarks without much oversight. When places like the New Perry Hotel are lost, communities almost always regret it; numerous people in Perry have spoken out against the demolition and it has received a fair amount of local news coverage. You can sign a petition here, though it may ultimately have little impact.
The owners, Triple P Holdings, have applied for a demolition permit, and it seems, the City of Perry is poised to endorse what would be a horrible end for one of their most important historic landmarks. Their boilerplate statement suggests the demolition is all but a done deal. [Note the words in bold font, which echo numerous statements I’ve read before similar properties were destroyed]: “As we celebrate Perry’s 200th Birthday, we reflect on our rich heritage and cherished memories of Perry’s past. The New Perry Hotel serves as a nostalgic reminder of bygone eras while holding a special place in the hearts of Perry’s past and present residents. Regrettably, the New Perry Hotel has remained vacant for many years and is in a state of disrepair. We are confident the current property owners have a vision for redevelopment which respects Perry’s legacy and meets the quality standards expected by the Perry community. Just as we honor the visionaries who laid the foundation for Perry’s success, we must also embrace the responsibility of ensuring that Perry remains a dynamic and thriving community for future generations.”
The New Perry Hotel is not only important for its cultural prominence in the community, but as a woman-owned business from a time when that was uncommon. The 1925 redesign of the structure, incorporating earlier structures, was overseen by owner Rochelle Cheeves Skellie.
Update: This property was demolished in July 2024.
National Register of Historic Places
It’s a crying shame to see these
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A sad story, but the lack of vision is the real tragedy. A fond memory of growing up in Gainesville in the 50’s was that morning in July when my family got up at 4 am in order to depart by 5 am for our drive to St Petersburg, FL for our annual week at the beach! Within 15 minutes of departure the conversation and planning turned to our first stop about 8:30 or 9 am at the New Perry Hotel for a fabulous southern breakfast!!
That’s “imminent” demolition, for an “eminent” landmark.
Sad to hear that no one has the vision to redevelop this worthwhile landmark into a modern usage. The old Candler Hospital high rise building in Savannah has gone through several different incarnations over the past 50 years since it last served as a hospital, but still stands. But then, maybe it’s actually the famous 300-year-pld “Candler Oak in the back parking lot that has kept it from being torn down.
When Savannah lost the iconic DeSoto Hotel because “it was too expensive to renovate and bring up to code,” its replacement hotel is now seen as bland and boring. But then, the folks in charge back then had either no vision or a lack of will power to oppose the developers who wanted to demolish & put up something different. It’s an ongoing battle.
Columbus and Augusta both have huge old mills on the rivers there that became obsolete as mills when technology changed. But they have been redeveloped into multi-function buildings that remain in use today, and are proud contributors to their towns’ historical architecture.
Conservationists in Perry should contact the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation for advice, stat. My hometown is filled with fine, late 19th/early 20th century buildings and homes by Richardson and other architects of the day. Developers have been brought to a halt and/or redirected into a preserve/repurpose mode by pressure and publicity (and sometimes funding) from PHLF, a private organization. As a result, some truly magnificent buildings that were slated to be replaced with post-modern obscenities, are enjoying occupancy today.
This is a travesty.
I agree with you and June.
Also have the cookbook.
:'(
This is heartbreaking news. I loved staying there as a woman traveling alone down I-75 for business. It was safe and welcoming – and what a breakfast! Loved to walk through the garden in the back. I’ll sign the petition and pray.
Countless travelers made this place a stop along their way…..long before 1-75…and then afterward. I have a cookbook purchased there by my late mother that is full of recipes used for the hotel’s dining room….a place patronized by thousands over the years.
“….have a vision for redevelopment which respects Perry’s legacy….”
Gee, maybe they’ll build one of those big mattress stores…or maybe a quick-change oil change place…or maybe even a giant filling station/connivence store on the site. Gotta respect the legacy, ya know.
Sounds like Savannah…
June a fond memory of growing up in Gainesville in the 50’s was that morning in July every year when my family got up at 4 am so we could l be on the road by 5 am for our yearly week at the beach in St Petersburg, FL! Within 15 minutes of departure our conversation and planning would turn to our first stop about 8:30-9 am at the New Perry Hotel for a fabulous southern breakfast!!