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ATHENS, Ga.—Historic Athens strongly supports the $2 million purchase offer for the Saye Building, which would preserve a key historic resource in the West Downtown Historic District while relieving Athens First United Methodist Church of demolition costs and challenges. A letter detailing the importance of this preservation effort was recently sent to church members and can be accessed here. In light of this development, Historic Athens invites community members to attend the ACC-UG Planning Commission meeting today on Thursday, February 6th, where the building’s future will be decided. Demolishing 22,000 square feet of historic architecture for 14 parking spaces would be a significant loss to downtown Athens. As the last remaining contributing structure on its block, the Saye Building connects Athens’ east and west historic districts and has housed businesses that shaped the city’s economy and culture. Recognized locally and in the National Register of Historic Places, it was recently named to the 2024 Athens Places in Peril list, underscoring the urgency of its preservation. Athens has an opportunity to build on successful adaptive reuse projects, where historic tax credits and redevelopment incentives have transformed once-threatened structures into thriving community assets. Projects such as Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, the Recap Plant (now Ciné), and the Bell Building (soon to be a boutique hotel) show how preservation fuels economic growth, attracts investment, and strengthens historic districts. The Saye Building has the same potential to support local businesses and serve a new community-driven purpose. "This sale provides a rare win-win opportunity," said Tommy Valentine, Executive Director of Historic Athens. "The church avoids demolition costs and gains immediate resources for expansion, Athens retains an irreplaceable historic resource, and the community benefits from a revitalized space that strengthens downtown." Beyond its immediate impact, this decision will shape the future of historic preservation in Athens. The Saye Building’s survival would reaffirm Athens’ commitment to responsible urban planning and preserving its distinct sense of place. Supporters are encouraged to attend the ACC-UG Planning Commission meeting today, on February 6th at 5:30 pm, to show public support for preserving the Saye Building. For more information on how to support this effort, visit historicathens.com/placesinperil or contact Historic Athens at denise@historicathens.com. ABOUT HISTORIC ATHENS
Historic Athens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Athens’ cultural heritage. Through events, education, and advocacy, Historic Athens works to protect the city’s historic buildings and neighborhoods while fostering pride and stewardship within the community. For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Denise Sunta
Engagement Coordinator, Historic Athens
(706) 389-0662
denise@historicathens.com
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