Following the completion of a two-year renovation, The Bell Hotel in Athens, Ga., had its grand opening on February 11.
The building was originally constructed in 1916 to house advanced telephone equipment for the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co. In 2022, after decades of private commercial use, Atlanta-based developer Brad Foster, philanthropist Marie Brumley Foster and their sons Nicholas, Drayton and Ben, took control of the property. The family partnered with architectural firm Arcollab to restore and convert the property, which now has eight guest rooms, a four-bedroom suite, common areas and a rooftop terrace.
After finding the original design plans by P. Thornton Marye, Arcollab and DSI Construction set about restoring the building’s architectural legacy. Original features—like the cast iron stair carriage and balustrade—were added back in or restored.
Stacey Kirby of Atlanta-based Seiber Design and Claudia O. Stimmel of Simplicity: A Southern Lifestyle worked on the interior restoration of The Bell. The designers invoked a midcentury-modern aesthetic with a bold color palette, chic furnishings, curated art installations, and statement lighting. The restored grand staircase serves as the centerpiece of the restoration.
The Fosters partnered with tech company Kasa, which streamlined platform allows for contactless check-in, smartphone room access, and 24/7 virtual front desk support.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to breathe new life into this property and celebrate its historic significance,” Brad Foster said. “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.”