Oxford, GA

In the 167 years since it was built for antebellum literary society meetings and debate, Phi Gamma Hall has played diverse roles in the history of Emory University. After extensive renovation, this elegantly plain Greek Revival building on the Oxford College campus is once again dedicated to academic and public events.

The restoration of Phi Gamma Hall includes a historic stairway and basement level that once housed the society’s library. The basement now provides an elevator, restrooms and a staging area for catering. New wainscoted stairs access the vestibule, and a historically sensitive side entrance completes accessibility.

The exterior restoration features replacement of anachronistic windows. Original trim was preserved, alongside a major restoration of the existing stucco facades. At the interior, original doors to the main space were rehung and original heart pine flooring was repaired and refinished.

Phi Gamma Hall now shines aesthetically:  tall divided-light windows illuminate burnished flooring, bronze etched mirrors hang over the original fireplaces, and expertly refurbished materials spotlight nineteenth-century warmth and character. Accessible to all abilities for the first time, the building is further elevated via subtly integrated smart technology.

Awarded

2019 AIA South Atlantic Region Adaptive Reuse / Preservation Merit Award
2019 Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Excellence in Rehabilitation Award

Photo Credits: Robb Helfrick Photography