was reopened as a two-story , like it remains today . Although most of the old wood has been replaced , there are still some hints of charred timber in the second story ceiling .
The Athens Inn was the site for residents to celebrate the return of WWI soldiers as they paraded in front and there have been rumors that Bonnie and Clyde stayed at the Athens Hotel in 1933 or 1934 , but that has yet to be confirmed .
Area native Bobby Cartlidge recalls that the Athens Hotel was popular until the passenger trains stopped running in the early / mid 1960s . It had a unique high ceiling lobby with dark walnut paneling and a hardwood floor that “ squeaked like hell ” with every step you took .
The last registration cards show that the Athens
Hotel went out of business in the 80s , which can be confirmed by the tattered calendar still hanging on the wall showing February , 1984 .
The remodel “ hasn ’ t been all fun surprises ,” said Boog , as he continues on about building a wall a lot earlier in the process than planned due to structural integrity that was being compromised .
Prairieville Row Properties has brought in a team from Hill ’ s Can Do Construction out of Mabank , spearheaded by General Contractor Jeff Gattis to give the space a “ white box demo .” This means that they will have the units ready to be taken to the next level by the right business and the opportunities for various businesses are endless . Although the owners of Prairieville Row
Properties have a vision for the building
Prairieville Row Athens Hotel WWI : Courtesy of Henderson County Historical Commission 8 | Greater Athens Magazine | March 2022