Paris Business Center

Location: Hiawassee, GA

Client: City of Hiawassee

Size: 5,800 SF

To be completed: 2024

Contractor: SmithBuilt Construction Group

A complex and challenging adaptive reuse project, the historic buildings at 71 and 79 Main Street in Hiawassee, GA had long been abandoned, and were is desperate need of repair. To buy more time while the team raised funds for a full building rehabilitation, SOURCE Urbanism worked with structural engineering firm Stability Engineering to carefully stabilize the building’s failing wood structure, to buttress the front façade of one building to prevent further damage to the brick veneer, and to install temporary roofing to limit further deterioration. Our firm then partnered with the City’s economic development team to pursue a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission that will provide partial funding to transform these blighted buildings to a restaurant and a local business incubator space.

To restore these buildings’ original historic elements, SOURCE proposed that the gabled roofs be replaced with parapets and flat roofs, and designed historically appropriate storefront windows and doors. The new designs for the two buildings maximize usable space and take advantage of the incredible mountain views with the addition of two rooftop patios. The restaurant building will feature: a two-story, outdoor, steel-framed patio; a bar; and a new kitchen addition. The business incubator includes conference/training rooms, a rooftop event space, and two micro-retail spaces for start-up businesses. To address stormwater concerns, engage the street, and enhance the retail storefront, the existing concrete public plaza and alley will be reworked with softened edges, more varied materials, planting areas, and adequate stormwater drainage.

Construction is underway to salvage these buildings and turn them into a vital part of the city’s future.