Georgia Theatre

Athens- Athens, Ga. is known for many things. Some of which include football, academia, its vivid nightlife, and a still thriving music scene. There is one local business in particular that has been an important part of the community for several decades: The Georgia Theatre. 

Originally used as both a music store and a YMCA in 1913, it has been a historic landmark well cherished by many.  Throughout the years it has been exchanged through many hands, but when Kyle Pilgrim and Bill Anderson took over the theatre in 1989 and transformed it into a music hall, Athens changed dramatically. With so many national acts, like Athens-based R.E.M, as well as local ones, the theatre has given Athens a strong music foundation and a good start for up and coming acts.

When a tragic fire hit the theatre June 19, 2009, the community mourned a landmark as well as a social hub for the community. Since the fire left them no choice but to clean out the entire interior of the building, the funds for the construction have been very much needed. The community’s love for the landmark has truly shown as the donations pour in.

When the Theatre partnered with the GA Trust, a landmark preservation group, renovation became a long journey. Updates are constantly being uploaded on the theatre’s website, displaying the new plans for the theatre as a more efficient area, with the customers and the musicians in mind.

With the construction in full swing, the theatre is currently promoting events to other venues like the 40 Watt. The majority of activity is now centered on the multitude of bars and nightclubs instead of the infamous corner lot the Theatre occupies, at least until next year.