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History of the Myon Hotel |
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Background
Information:
Built by I. W. Myers
The Myon Hotel was constructed in downtown
Tifton, in 1906 and was listed as the finest hotel south of
Atlanta. In its heyday it serviced the commuters from the thirty
passenger trains that passed through Tifton at the early part
of this century. The demise of the railroad and changes in
the north-south transportation route from U. S. 41 to Interstate
I-75 brought an end to the use of the building as a hotel in
the 60s. Although the lower level of the building continued
to house retail stores, the once elegant and lively structure
fell into disrepair and became a monstrous eyesore in downtown.
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a number of years the community debated the future of the
Myon. The two sides of the discussion centered around demolition
or restoration. Meanwhile, by 1984 the City government had
outgrown the existing City Hall and was considering building
a new facility out of downtown at a projected cost in excess
of one million dollars. Simultaneously, Mr. Harold Harper,
a local developer had been restoring
several old buildings in downtown.It was at this time that the City decided to study
the feasibility of a joint venture with Mr. Harper.
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The
original lobby area and adjacent rooms could be developed as
City Hall with the remainder of the hotel to be developed into
a multi-use complex of professional office space, retail and
upscale residential space.
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Project
Financing:
The City decided to hire the architectural
firm of Brittain, Thompson and Bray of Macon to study the building
and prepare a design and use plan. After the study met with
the approval of the City commissioners, they jointly purchased
the building with Mr. Harper at a cost of $100,000 for the
City and $ 150,000 for Mr. Harper. Next, the City advertised
for construction bids based on the specifications prepared
by the architectural firm. At the opening of bids in August
1985, the City discovered that
bids were running higher than those of the architects estimates
for restoration. Bids ranged from $1,089,246 to $1,035,570.
Estimates from the firm were between $554,000 - $600,000. The
original design plans did not include completion of the third
floor or any work on the grounds.
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The City
then decided to act as its own contractor, hire a project
manager, subcontract most of the work and utilize some
City labor. The City accepted the low bid for project manager
from Mr. Harold Harper at $25,000. Ultimately the project
cost the City $865,955. That included completion of the
third floor and grounds. |
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The
privately owned section of the Complex qualified as a certified
historic preservation tax credit project and was documented
through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-State
Historic Preservation Section. Every attempt was made to
maintain the original architectural integrity of the building.
Various items which were added during construction were designed
to blend as closely as possible and complement the design
of the structure.
The majority of the reconstruction work was
subcontracted after the project manager reviewed quotes from
companies qualified to perform the work and after the City
Commission approved the quotes. Most of the work was completed
by local contractors. The City prepared a cost analysis of
the project which indicated the labor costs of the city employees.
Prison labor was utilized from time to time.
In 1985 the City Manager established a building
fund with monies from the City's general fund. This money
was later used to purchase the building. Restoration was
paid for by funds from the City's Gas Department account.
In the summer of 1987, the City moved its office from the overcrowded
1950s City Hall into the like-new building which had been
equipped with modern heating and
cooling , lighting, and a state-of-the-art computer system.
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Based
on figures kept during the restoration, the City had saved
the tax-payers approximately $500,000. This was accomplished
by the City acting as its own
contractor and by using Mr. Harper as the project manager.
At the dedication of the building
on September 13, 1987, Governor Harris said:"You didn't
wait for Atlanta, or wait on anyone. Instead, Tifton showed
what could be accomplished if people were willing to work
together Your spirit of renewal, self-reliance, your can-do
attitude are the things that make a great state and a great
nation. |
Tifton
is an example for others to follow and your pride will encourage
other cities."
Today, following its painstaking construction,
The City of Tifton owns about 18,000 square feet of the massive
building. The lobby area is a grand and awe-inspiring entrance
to the building featuring an atrium that rises three stories
to a reconstructed skylight which is fitted with energy efficient
glass. Surrounding the atrium is a classical balustrade accented
with fluted Ionic columns. The lobby floor, originally terrazzo,
was reconstructed and the Myon insignia was left intact.
Offices for billing and taxes are located
on the ground floor and a drive-in window for payment of
utility and City services is located on the west elevation.
Also located on the ground floor is the City Council Chambers.
With a seating capacity of more than 60, this former dining
room is resplendent with dentil moiling and classical ornamentation.
Offices for the City Manager, City Clerk,
Bookkeeping, and a public restroom are located on the second
floor. Human Resources Director and the Director of Finance
as well as additional storage areas, an employee lounge and
employee rest rooms are located on the third floor, which
is accessible by elevator or staircase.
Although historically the City of Tifton
never had an architecturally significant City Hall, the citizens
of the community now point with great pride as they take
visitors to see this magnificent restoration project. Since
its restoration, City Hall has served as a showcase of the
new spirit rising in the City of Tifton. The Chamber of Commerce
now brings new Industrial prospects first to City Hall and
then to the industrial park. The building has served as a
catalyst for the downtown revitalization program (Main Street),
creating a ripple effect in surrounding property in downtown.
Buildings are being bought and restored at a phenomenal rate.
New businesses are coming into downtown and new jobs are
being created. Such
success can be directly attributed to the City's commitment
to remain in downtown and to the preservation of such a significant
structure in the City of Tifton.
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Tifton
Gazette
March 20, 1986
Myon Renovation Supported
Members of American Legion Post 21 and the
Legion Auxiliary recently toured the renovations underway
and the former Myon Hotel building, which will be the new
Tifton City Hall. The Legion and Auxiliary recently contributed
$5,000 towards the purchase of furnishings for the lobby of the building.
Shown are:
City Manager Webster Morgan (left), Paul
Prefontaine (center) Legion Post Commander, and Chris Free
President of the Auxiliary. |
(Gazette Photo by Herb Pilcher) |
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Over
looking the renovations of the lobby of the new City Hall.
C & S Outlook Magazine 1987 |
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The
Myon Complex Tifton City Hall
An open invitation to all citizens, The Tifton
City of Commissioners and Harold G. Harper invites and encourages
you to attend the dedication ceremonies and remarks by the
Honorable Joe Frank Harris for the Tifton City Hall and Myon
Complex Sunday, September 13, 1987 2:30 until 5:30 PM, 130
East 1st Street Tifton, Georgia.
This is the open invitation that ran in the
Tifton Gazette on September 3, 1987 |
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City Hall open for business. The renovation
was a great success.
Tifton Gazette September 10, 1987. |
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This
is the plaque that proudly displays for all City Hall patrons. |
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| © 2008
City of Tifton, Georgia |
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Updated :
June 30, 2008
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