Myon Hotel

Background Information

The Myon Hotel was built by I. W Myers, 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.

For a number of years, the community debated the future of the Myon. The two sides of the discussion centered arounddemolition 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. The original lobby area and adjacent rooms could be developed as City Hall with the remainder of the hotel developed into a multi-use complex of professional office space, retail and upscale residential space.

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 architect's 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.

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 a 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.

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.

Based on figures kept during the restoration, the City had saved the taxpayers 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 attitudes 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

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 and City Clerk 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 and Human Resources Director and a public restroom are located on the second floor. Director of Finance, Bookkeeping and IT, as well as additional storage areas, an employee lounge and employee restrooms 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.

The City Hall plaque proudly displays for all City Hall patrons.

Historic Articles & Photos

Gazette Photo by Herb Pilcher

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.

C and S Outlook Magazine

Overlooking the renovations of the lobby of the new City Hall.

C and S Outlook Magazine 1987

Open Invitation

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.

Renovation Success

City Hall open for business. The renovation was a great success.

Tifton Gazette September 10, 1987.