City of Griffin

Historic City Hall Rehabilitation

Completed in 1910, Griffin’s historic City Hall—a Beaux Arts structure designed by Atlanta’s Haralson Bleckley—stood as a civic hub for decades before vacancy in 2003 led to roof degradation and extensive water damage. In 2014, its historic significance and deteriorating condition prompted a Georgia Trust "Place in Peril" designation, galvanizing local efforts for restoration. Lord Aeck Sargent spearheaded the rehabilitation from 2017 to 2019, focusing on sensitive restoration and the integration of modern systems. This effort included removing a non-original police department addition, carefully installing a new elevator for ADA compliance, and restoring original architectural details in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Today, the revitalized City Hall accommodates both municipal offices and flexible event spaces, blending historic charm with contemporary functionality.

LOCATION

Griffin, GA

SERVICES

Full Architectural and Interior Design
Coordination with Local & State Agencies
Historic Preservation

SIZE

16,000 sf

PROJECT TYPE

Historic Building, Public Buildings, Office

Marguerite Williams Award

Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

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Build Georgia Award

Associated General Contractors of Georgia

"Staff and the community were absolutely amazed that we were able to completely restore the luster of this historic building that had been altered so many times and been vacant for so many years that deterioration and corrosion had taken a toll... It has become the crown jewel of downtown Griffin."

— Kenny Smith, City Manager