This may be one of the oldest houses in Climax but I cannot confirm at this time. The information I’ve found in architectural surveys gives a wide variety of dates, from 1860-1935. The sidelights lead me to believe it probably dates to the late 19th century, at the latest. One survey notes that the windows were originally taller, another indication of an earlier date.
This is a nice example of the Colonial Revival style, quite formal for a town the size of Climax.
Built as a residence by a Mr. Allen, this house was located along the railroad tracks when this section of Southwest Georgia was experiencing its first major agribusiness and timber boom. It was sold to Mary Lizzie Harrell [Mrs. T. J. Harrell] in the 1920s and would have been the de facto hotel in Climax. Women, who were limited in employment opportunities at the time, often operated such establishments, as was the case with this property.
It was also identified as the Harrell House and the Wingback Hotel. Mrs. Harrell was known for her home-cooked meals, much appreciated by the railroaders passing through Climax. Most of the structure is original, but the front porch is a replacement.
Willis Park is one of the nicest city parks in South Georgia, and is a beautifully maintained green space in the middle of town. It has been the center of life in Decatur County ever since it opened to the public in 1904.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
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
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This has served as Bainbridge City Hall for many years, and was recently restored. It’s one of the most impressive marble structures in South Georgia.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This impressive bank was likely considered an eyesore at one time, but this style has gained appreciation with architectural historians in recent years. If it’s not included in the historic district, it should be.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This structure, now a law office, is sided with tabby blocks. This building material is quite rare away from the coast.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places