USA | The historic Bell Hotel in Athens, Georgia, has completed its two-year renovation, restoring its 108-year character and charm.
The Bell Hotel, located in downtown Athens, Georgia, has announced its grand opening following the completion of a two-year renovation.
Originally constructed in 1916 to house advanced telephone equipment for the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co., The Bell Hotel now offers modern travelers a luxurious retreat infused with historic charm. The boutique property features eight uniquely designed guest rooms, an expansive four-bedroom suite, elegant common areas, and a panoramic rooftop terrace, seamlessly blending timeless architecture with bespoke amenities.
After decades of quietly serving private commercial purposes following the telephone company’s relocation in 1966, the 108-year-old property embarked on a new chapter under the vision of Atlanta-based developer Brad Foster, philanthropist Marie Brumley Foster, and their sons Nicholas, Drayton, and Ben. In 2022, the family acquired the historic building and partnered with Athens-based architectural firm Arcollab to carefully restore and transform the property, which now shines as a polished jewel in the vibrant community of downtown.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to breathe new life into this property and celebrate its historical significance,” said Brad Foster.
“Our family envisioned restoring its architectural beauty while reintroducing its rich story to the community, creating a space where history and modern hospitality come together. Transforming The Bell into a vibrant destination that reflects the spirit of downtown Athens has been an incredible journey, and we’re thrilled to see it shine once again.”
In partnership with community preservationists, the restoration of The Bell meticulously uncovered the original design plans by the renowned P. Thornton Marye, celebrated for his work on Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre. Drawing inspiration from these historic blueprints, Arcollab and DSI Construction dedicated themselves to preserving the building’s architectural legacy, seamlessly reintegrating original features such as the cast iron stair carriage and balustrade, interior stair handrail, and steel-framed windows. The yellow brick façade, paired with intricate white glazed terra cotta details, was restored to its former glory, reflecting the craftsmanship and grandeur of its era. A crowning achievement of the renovation is the addition of a rooftop terrace, made possible by the building’s robust reinforced concrete post-and-beam structure. This thoughtfully designed space offers panoramic views of Athens, providing an idyllic backdrop for intimate gatherings and celebratory events while harmonising with the building’s historic character.
The interior transformation of The Bell, led by Stacey Kirby of Atlanta-based Seiber Design and Claudia O. Stimmel of Simplicity: A Southern Lifestyle, brings a vibrant, mid-century modern aesthetic that strikingly juxtaposes the building’s neoclassical roots. The designers introduced a bold colour palette, chic furnishings, curated art installations, and statement lighting, creating a dynamic interplay of elegance and personality that defines the property’s public spaces and guest accommodations.
Upon entering the parlour-style lobby, exclusively for guests, visitors are greeted by an atmosphere of refined charm. Black-and-white marble flooring, a polished wood bar, and vibrant banquette seating create a warm and inviting communal area to enjoy throughout their stay. Beyond the lobby, the centrepiece of the Bell hotel interior is the restored grand staircase, enhanced with a striking black-and-white striped runner that amplifies its visual impact. Artistic touches abound, with displays of ephemera uncovered during the building’s renovation and a hand-painted vintage telephone mural offering glimpses into the building’s storied past. These playful design elements culminate in the Andy Warhol-inspired elevator interior, adding a pop-art twist that surprises and delights with every ride.
The Bell’s accommodations further exemplify its commitment to bold design and thoughtful curation. The eight uniquely styled guest rooms and the third-floor suite exude a sense of bespoke luxury, blending rich colours, intricately patterned ceilings, modern sculptural lighting, and textural accents that evoke both comfort and sophistication. Stimmel’s design work balances practicality with high-end elegance, ensuring every room feels uniquely inviting. The bathrooms mirror this dedication to detail, featuring state-of-the-art fixtures and custom high-contrast tilework that elevate the guest experience.
To further enrich the narrative of The Bell, Atlanta-raised and Brooklyn-based illustrator Alex Robitaille was commissioned to create a series of hand-painted gouache-on-gesso portraits. These imaginative artworks bring to life a fictional Jazz Age personality for each room, infusing the property with a sense of whimsy and storytelling that captures the spirit of both its past and present. Together, these thoughtful design elements ensure every corner of The Bell is a celebration of artistry, history, and timeless sophistication.
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