The Allison Building

The Allison Building
Americus - Sumter County

Constructed in 1906, the Allison Building in Americus is a classic downtown structure that reflects Americus’ history as a regional commercial center. Early tenants included a furniture company, a drug store and an undertaker. Located on West Lamar Street opposite the historic Windsor Hotel, the building contributes to the downtown streetscape and features elements of Italian Renaissance Revival style, including brick pilasters and arched wood windows. This adaptive reuse now features twelve residential units on the upper floors and two commercial spaces at street level. New systems and an elevator were introduced while preserving the load-bearing masonry structure and timber framing. Original front façade windows were rehabilitated, missing windows replaced in kind, and historic interior features – including decorative wood columns, beadboard ceilings and salvaged wood flooring were retained. Utilizing a unique lending source – the local Housing Authority was the primary lender for this market rate project – the Allison building reflects a community-wide commitment to downtown revitalization.

Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.