Georgia’s Buildings Ranked Among America’s Ugliest

News Summary

An online survey reveals that four public buildings from Georgia made it onto the list of the 100 ugliest buildings in America. The Savannah Civic Center ranks 66th, followed by Columbus Consolidated Government building at 79th, Albany Municipal Court at 82nd, and Albany Government building at 86th. In response, Habersham County plans to redevelop its historic courthouse, often labeled the ugliest courthouse in Georgia, into a mixed-use space, avoiding public funding for the transformation.

Georgia has recently made headlines as part of an online survey conducted by the Robert Dekanski Team for RE/MAX, which ranked the 100 ugliest public buildings in America. Four structures from the state have found their way onto this list, with the Savannah Civic Center securing the 66th position, followed closely by the Columbus Consolidated Government building at 79th, the Albany Municipal Court at 82nd, and the Albany Government building at 86th. Despite these buildings being recognized as some of the unattractive structures in the country, Georgia’s entries rank in the middle range of the list, reflecting that the state is not leading in the “ugliest” category.

According to the survey, Alabama holds the dubious distinction of having the highest number of entries on the ugliest buildings list, with a total of five structures featured. Georgia, along with Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, shares second place, with four buildings each making the cut. The survey reached over 3,000 participants, highlighting a comprehensive range of opinions on various public buildings across the nation.

Meanwhile, in a move to breathe new life into its historic but underutilized properties, Habersham County is taking steps to redevelop the vacant Habersham County Courthouse, which has often been critiqued and described as “the ugliest courthouse in Georgia.” The local Development Authority has received the necessary approvals from county commissioners to transfer the property to Parkside Partners of Atlanta, who intend to purchase the 2.04-acre site for $500,000.

The redevelopment project promises to transform the courthouse into a mixed-use space, incorporating retail, office, restaurant, and residential units, while also maintaining important existing elements, such as the gazebo, county war memorial, and the agriculture services building. This initiative is designed without requiring taxpayer funding for the demolition of the courthouse, thereby ensuring that public resources are not allocated for the project. The ultimate goal is to return the redeveloped property to the county tax digest.

As a part of the redevelopment agreement, strict benchmarks and regulations will need to be adhered to concerning permits, plans, and construction timelines, ensuring that the revamp is done in an orderly and responsible manner. Fortunately, the building is already equipped with existing city utilities, including sewer services, which will facilitate the redevelopment process.

Charlie Fiveash, the economic development director for the Habersham County Development Authority, has expressed that this redevelopment deal represents a significant win for local taxpayers, emphasizing the advantage of carrying out such a project without utilizing public funds. Before finalizing the sale, a standard due diligence period will occur as part of the process.

This attention to the redevelopment and improvement of underperforming structures aligns with the wider goals of revitalizing communities, enhancing public spaces, and addressing issues related to abandoned buildings. As communities across Georgia grapple with improving the aesthetics and functionality of their buildings, the ongoing survey and redevelopment efforts could lead to greater awareness and potential action regarding urban aesthetics and historical preservation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Savannah Now: 100 Ugliest Buildings
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• Now Habersham: Ugliest Courthouse Redevelopment
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• Wikipedia: Architecture of Georgia
• Google Search: Ugliest Buildings in Georgia