Category Archives: –DECATUR COUNTY GA–
Willis Park, 1904, Bainbridge
Bon Air Hotel, 1901, Bainbridge
This historic property faces Willis Park and at its core is the footprint of The Sharon House, a hotel built in the 1860s. Significant remodeling and expansion took place in 1901 and it became the Bon Air Hotel. Originally, a full-height porch ran the length of the facade, with balconies on the upper floors, but this feature was removed in the 1950s. As cities built strip malls and activity moved away from historic downtown areas, grand old hotels were seen as too expensive to maintain.The Bon Air wasn’t immune to this fate and closed in the 1960s, falling into serious disrepair. By the 1990s, communities like Bainbridge began to recognize the importance of landmarks to revitalizing their historic identities, and thankfully, the Bon Air was renovated between 1999-2001, with apartments and storefronts. It has retaken its place as the anchor of the commercial historic district.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Courthouse Annex, 1904, Bainbridge
First State National Bank Building, 1885, Bainbridge
Mid-Century Modern Bank, 1953, Bainbridge
Italian Renaissance Revival Commercial Block, 1900, Bainbridge
Historic Storefronts, Bainbridge
Bainbridge has a relatively intact commercial core, unlike many small South Georgia towns who have seen significant losses due to neglect and deterioration in recent years. There is presently an active movement to restore buildings which have long been derelict, resulting in a vibrant downtown. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight, but they’re making great progress.
Corner of Broad and Water Streets
Marble Front Bank (1900), Broad Street
Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets
Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets
Broughton Street
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Old City Hall & Firehouse, 1914, Bainbridge
This Spanish Colonial Revival landmark was designed by William Augustus Edwards as a combination City Hall and Firehouse, and over the years has also served as the library and public safety center. It is now known as the Firehouse Center & Gallery and is home to the Decatur County Council for the Arts, featuring gallery and event space.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places