Midtown’s historic hotel turns 100 in October
One hundred years ago, the 150,000-square foot 10-story Georgian Terrace Hotel, first graced the corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown.
Now, a century later, the hotel at 659 Peachtree Street is a 19-story tower encompassing 500,000 square feet.
Joseph Gatins, whose family built the hotel and owned it for decades, told media at a luncheon Wednesday, the hotel’s 100 anniversary is quite the feat.
“Atlanta likes to tear things down,” Gatins said.
Carl Dees, general manager for the hotel since 2009, has been spearheading the historic property’s $23 million renovation. In 1911, the cost of constructing the initial 10-story structure was $500,000.
“The building is a little bit tired,” Dees said.
Slated for an October completion, Dees told What Now Atlanta on a visit to the hotel Wednesday, phase one of a three phase room renovation project will commence in 90 days.
Phase one, the least expensive of the three phases ringing in at $2 million, will consist of renovating 102 rooms which accounts for almost one third of the hotel’s 326 units.
The updated look has been dubbed “modern classic,” which Dees described as “classic nature with a modern appeal.”
Phase two and three will be more costly, Dees told What Now Atlanta, explaining those phases involve the hotel’s larger rooms.
Construction for the second and third phases has yet to be determined.
“I haven’t even thought about the time line,” Dees said.
In 2009, the hotel spent $11 million to renovate all of the hotel’s public spaces as well as 19 rooms, the penthouse level and the bridal suites, according to Dees, as part of the hotel’s $23 million transformation.
Renovation specifics included the addition of a third ballroom, restaurant and bar space, wireless internet and upgraded bedding.
Ten years ago, the hotel spent $10 million in renovations adding a conference center, expanding the atrium lobby and refurbishing the restaurant, lounge and ballroom.
Georgian Terrace Hotel
659 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
6 Responses
Since being a math major, I can’t help to notice that 102 is not exactly one-third of 326:)
Since being an English major, I can not help but notice that almost is part of the statement. 🙂
LOL Nicole they went back and placed that in AFTER I wrote that to them…I am not that dumb!:)
Of course they did. 🙂
I’m sure they did, he is always having to make edits. I guess GSU doesn’t teach as well for all of us.
Maybe NumbaCruncha and Nicole will get together for a pleasant drink after the lounge is remodeled. . .
I worked here in room service about 7 years ago and it was so poorly run. I am so glad the new management seems to be stepping it up. Its such a beautiful and unique building with such history.