Georgia Theatre to welcome music fans back in August
by Chelsea Swanhart
June 19, 2009 was a somber day for the city of
Athens. The beloved and renowned Georgia Theatre
went up in flames as a community that not only valued,
but loved, the theatre could only watch in shock
and sadness.
A place where crowds of enthusiastic people from
all over once enjoyed influential bands such as R.E.M.,
Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, The Police
and The B-52’s was now badly charred and gutted
completely on the inside.
Benefit concerts and percentage nights were immediately
put into action. Other bands, companies
and individuals donated what they could to the cause.
Perpetual Groove, The Whigs, Dead confederate and
Abbey Road LIVE! each hosted shows which contributed
all proceeds to the rebuilding of this Athens
Centerpiece.
But even with the city of Athens and the support
of several big-name bands, rebuilding the Georgia Theatre
has not been a simple task.
Everything inside was toxic and had to be removed,
even the flooring. New steel had to be put in
for temporary support because virtually no steel could
remain. Builders tried to salvage any old material that
they could and much focus was put on improving the
balcony, the bathrooms and even the stage and dance
floor. In addition, an amazing roof top patio will be
available to enjoy in August. It was also important to
keep the outside of the theatre historic looking while
still meeting 2011 building codes inside. “This was the
real challenge,” said owner, Wilmont Greene. “Building
codes required that we update everything inside the
building; while historic guidelines required that the
exterior remain the same. The solution was that we
built a building inside a building. We built a steel and
concrete frame inside the old brick facade. The new
framework completely supports itself and is barely
connected to the bricks. The new steel actually supports
the old brick walls which aren’t even connected
to the roof at all. This was extremely challenging from
a design and construction point of view. It was really
tricky!”
About two years later, the Georgia Theatre is
nearly ready for its re-opening, and Athenians couldn’t
be more anxious. Greene, says that they plan to have
grand opening celebrations for two weeks starting August
1st. Fans of the Georgia Theatre are excited to return
to watch more of the shows they love, as well as
to see the changes made to the historic building. “We
spent a great deal of time and effort on maintaining the
feel of the Georgia Theatre the way people remember
it. The stage, bars, and curtains will be similar enough
that you should feel at home when you are seeing a
show,” Greene said. “However, the bathrooms and
rooftop cafe will be a solid reminder that you are in a
new and improved facility that’s safe and designed to
be around for a long time.”
Keep a look-out for announcements about upcoming
shows for the grand re-opening. It should be an
emotional, yet exciting time for all who adore the
Georgia Theatre and the memories made there. “I really
think people are going to be blown away when
they come inside for the first time,” Green said. We
can’t wait to see the changes made and finally hear
music radiating from the doors into the streets of the
Classic City again, which is really what the Georgia
Theatre is all about.
Tagged: band together, georgia theatre, wilmot greene, will greene
