Partridge Inn
Beginnings
The Partridge Inn began as a two-story home in 1816, owned originally by Georgia Governor George Walton, one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence, and later by a prominent local family (Jonathan and Elizabeth Meigs), but the current building dates back to 1836. The streets that frame the inn, Walton Way and Meigs Street, are named for the two original owners. In 1892, the building was purchased as a residence, and experienced its first repurpose into a small part-time hotel operated by Morris Partridge. In January 1910 Partridge opened the 60-room Partridge Inn. The inn was expanded five times before its completion in 1929. The original house, now fully obscured, had transformed into a 5-story building featuring 129 rooms and a quarter-mile of porches, balconies, and verandas. Some of the original woodwork and ceiling tiles can still be seen throughout the hotel.
the Great Depression leads to another repurpose |
The Great Depression resulted in a serious decline in travel to the Augusta area, prompting yet another repurposing of the structure. This time as a year-round hotel, as well as apartment building. This decision minimized revenue loss due to the decline in tourism, as well as afforded local residents the opportunity to live in upscale apartments.
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(not Just) summerville's inn
Summerville was originally established in the 1780s, as a separate village from Augusta. During the 1810s, a minor epidemic of malaria affected downtown Augusta, prompting the more affluent residents to move up to "The Hill", leaving the less fortunate behind in the downhill neighborhoods such as Harrisburg. This "flight" led to a clear "class" distinction which exists today. It can be seen in the stark differences in the living conditions, size and condition of the homes, and general upkeep of the lower neighborhoods. Summerville, originally comprised of mostly summer dwellings, became a four-season community by 1850 as more permanent homes and other permanent structures were erected. The community was incorporated as a city in 1861. A few years later, Summerville established itself as a luxury resort area and winter destination for wealthy tourists from the North. The Partridge Inn hosted many of these tourists, to include former United States Presidents. Augusta annexed Summerville in 1912. Summerville is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Partridge was scheduled for demolition in the early 1980s due to years of neglect following World War II, but local residents rallied together and saved the Inn and a part of Augusta's heritage. The inn had become part of the identity of Augusta, not just Summerville. Affectionately known as “The Grand Hotel of the Classic South”, the Partridge Inn is, simultaneously, a symbol of the "Old South" as well as the "New South". The 146-room inn is an eclectic blend of Greek, Spanish, Gothic, Federalist and other architecture styles, as are many of the other homes and buildings in the Summerville area. In 2014, the Partridge received its most extensive renovations, ushering the inn into the 21st century. The interior is contemporary, while the exterior maintains its historical look and feel. The Partridge Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America since 1991, has effectively established itself as a welcoming space for visitors to the city of Augusta.
The Partridge was scheduled for demolition in the early 1980s due to years of neglect following World War II, but local residents rallied together and saved the Inn and a part of Augusta's heritage. The inn had become part of the identity of Augusta, not just Summerville. Affectionately known as “The Grand Hotel of the Classic South”, the Partridge Inn is, simultaneously, a symbol of the "Old South" as well as the "New South". The 146-room inn is an eclectic blend of Greek, Spanish, Gothic, Federalist and other architecture styles, as are many of the other homes and buildings in the Summerville area. In 2014, the Partridge received its most extensive renovations, ushering the inn into the 21st century. The interior is contemporary, while the exterior maintains its historical look and feel. The Partridge Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America since 1991, has effectively established itself as a welcoming space for visitors to the city of Augusta.