Originally designed by prominent Atlanta architect P. Thornton Marye, the building that now houses the Bell Hotel was constructed in 1916 by theSouthern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company as Athens’ first purpose-built telephone exchange. Arcollab’s research located the building’s original construction drawings, which became an important resource in documenting existing conditions and developing the rehabilitation scope.
Selective exploratory demolition exposed earlier construction concealed by accumulated non-historic finishes and allowed the team to determine the extent of surviving historic interior fabric. Forensic investigation of the building’s brick masonry and glazed terra cotta also informed the development of appropriate repair treatments.
Arcollab performed an in-depth building code, life-safety, and accessibility analysis to establish a strategy for accommodating the proposed new uses while making effective use of the existing building and its infrastructure. The design team coordinated closely with the local fire marshal, zoning staff, and building officials to address unusual existing conditions and establish acceptable approaches to code compliance associated with the change of use.
The completed rehabilitation converted the second and third floors to residential use and introduced a rooftop terrace. The first floor contains lobby and common spaces whose design draws from fragmentary historic interiors uncovered during investigation.
Exterior work included gentle cleaning and repair of the masonry and glazed terra cotta, along with reconditioning of the building’s century old wood and steel windows for continued use. The original front entrance, removed in the1960s, was reconstructed using the original construction drawings as a guide.
The Bell Building is a contributing resource in the Athens Downtown National Register Historic District and is located within the Athens Downtown Local Historic District. The rehabilitation received a 2025 Historic Athens Outstanding Rehabilitation Award.
