What was once a century-old landmark locally dubbed The Bell Building has now been transformed into a new home away from home in Athens. Designed in 1916 by architect P. Thornton Marye, The Bell Hotel has just celebrated its grand opening following a two-year renovation. Located at 183 West Clayton St., The Bell blends luxurious amenities with upscale sophistication and a small-town charm, featuring eight guest rooms, an expansive four-bedroom suite, elegant common areas and a panoramic rooftop terrace.
The Bell Building played a central role in the community’s development. Originally, it was the home of The Athens Exchange for the Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, the Southeast’s leading telecommunications provider at the time. After the telephone company relocated its offices in 1966, the Bell Building was used for private commercial purposes.
However, in 2022, developer Brad Foster and philanthropist Marie Brumley Foster acquired the property with a vision. In partnership with Athens-based architectural firm Arcollab, the Fosters began restoring and transforming the property, committed to preserving The Bell’s history while creating a new legacy.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to breathe new life into this property and celebrate its historic significance,” said Brad Foster. “Our family envisioned restoring its architectural beauty while reintroducing its rich story to the community, creating a space where history and modern hospitality come together. Transforming The Bell into a vibrant destination that reflects the spirit of downtown Athens has been an incredible journey, and we’re thrilled to see it shine once again.”
Conducted in partnership with local preservationists, the refurbishment of The Bell unveiled original design plans from celebrated architect P. Thornton Marye, known for his work on Atlanta’s legendary Fox Theatre. Using the historic blueprints as a guide, Arcollab and DSI Construction restored original features like the cast iron stair carriage and balustrade, interior stair handrail, yellow brick façade and steel-framed windows.
The Fosters also partnered with Kasa, a leading technology-driven hospitality company. Guests can access features like keyless check-in, smartphone room access, and 24/7 virtual front desk support through their streamlined platform. These modern amenities are paired with personalized service to create an effortless and unforgettable experience.
“By pairing the charm of historical architecture with contemporary amenities, The Bell will offer guests a distinctive stay that honors the past and embraces the future,” says Roman Pedan, Founder and CEO of Kasa.
Alongside amenities like rooftop terrace access, curated beverages and snacks, luxury linens and bedding, lobby bar access and more, The Bell Hotel offers a parlor-style lobby featuring black-and-white marble flooring, a polished wood bar and cozy banquette seating. Beyond the lobby, construction reintegrated many of the building’s original features, including the cast iron staircase and balustrade, the interior stair handrail and the steel-framed windows. Displays of ephemera uncovered during the building’s renovation and a handpainted vintage telephone mural offer some more glimpses into the building’s storied past. These artsy elements culminate with an Andy Warhol-inspired elevator, adding a pop-art twist to the hotel’s charm.
The Bell Hotel also features uniquely styled guest rooms and a luxurious third-floor suite. The design work mixes rich colors, intricate ceilings, modern lighting and textured accents, creating an elegant atmosphere. The bathrooms also offer high-end finishes with custom tiling. To keep with The Bell’s artistic style, Atlanta-raised illustrator Alex Robitaille was commissioned to create a series of handpainted gouache-on-gesso portraits. These artworks bring to life a fictional Jazz Age personality for each room, capturing the spirit of both the hotel’s past and present. 1
On the exterior of the building, the yellow brick façade paired with intricate white glazed terra cotta details was also restored. In addition, there is access to a new rooftop terrace. This space offers a view of the surrounding Athens, providing a lovely backdrop for the most intimate of guest celebrations.
The Bell Hotel, once an essential building of old, is now reinvented as a new legacy of exclusive lodging in the city of Athens. It offers an unparalleled experience for first-time and returning guests, fusing an exquisite blend of both the timeless and the modern. Reservations can be made here.
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