The Bell Hotel

Photo by Jason Thrasher, Thrasher Photo

Athens - Athens-Clarke County County

Constructed in 1916 and designed by noted architect P. Thornton Marye, this former Southern Bell telegraph and telephone exchange building is a contributing resource within the Athens West Downtown Historic District. The Neoclassical building was recently rehabilitated into the boutique Bell Hotel. The project was guided by extensive archival research and exploratory demolition conducted in collaboration with public partners, ensuring that historic integrity remained central to the design. Significant historic elements were restored and sensitively encapsulated as artifacts, including the front entry and original cable raceway systems. The rehabilitation also addressed hazardous coal ash in the flooring and required structural reinforcement to support the rooftop addition while preserving historic sightlines and the building’s character-defining façade.

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.