Category: Athens, Georgia

  • Postcards from the South: Candler Hall – Athens, Georgia (yet again)

    Postcard view of Candler Hall, (1902), Athens, Georgia

    This postcard depicts Candler Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1902.

    Published by the E.C. Kropp Company of Milwaukee, the card was postmarked in Anderson, South Carolina, on January 1, 1927, and addressed to John Sherman of Saginaw, Michigan.

    The following note is written on the back:

    “Dec 31 – 1926!

    Dear Sister + Brother!

    We got here at 12.O clock this noon – the Roads here are the worst We ever had – the Mud is up to the axle but We got through O.K. We did not leave Atlanta untill Friday Morning because Lulu – done some collecting and did not get through before the Weather – was cold – last Thursday night – it froze Ice – With Love Your:

    Carl M. + Lulu C. Pohl

    Sure, Carl, blame Lulu.

  • Postcards from the South: Candler Hall – Athens, Georgia (again)

    Postcard view of Candler Hall (1902), Athens, Georgia

    This postcard depicts Candler Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1902.

    M.R. helpfully marks “My room” with an “X” on the front, and writes perfunctorily on the back:

    “Wed. Morning
    Sep. 1 – 7 A.M.

    Mailed my letter this morning on the train, just a few minutes after writing it. Am leaving hotel new for depot. Address me Collins, Ga.”

    Published by the McGregor Company of Athens, the card was postmarked in Athens at 11 a .m. on September 1, 1909, and addressed to Miss Bessie Rogers of 118 N. Wilmington Street in Raleigh, North Carolina.

  • Postcards from the South: Denmark Hall – Athens, Georgia

    Postcard view of main dining room in Denmark Hall (1902), Athens, Georgia

    This postcard depicts the main dining room of Denmark Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1902.

    Copyrighted by Salter, the card was postmarked in Carlton, Georgia, on August 25, 1907, and addressed to Mr. H.P. Heath in Talbotton, Georgia.

    Written on the back is the following note:

    “Hope to see you in Athens by the 14th at the latest. I think I’ll go up on the 12th. Yours Jo”

    A woman with a plan—I like.

  • Postcards from the South: Candler Hall – University of Georgia, Athens

    Postcard view of Candler Hall (1902), Athens, Georgia

    This postcard depicts Candler Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1902.

    The front of the card is dated October 7, 1907, and includes the note: “I room with Mary Lucy STANSELL of Conyers, a fine girl I tell you.”

    Published by The McGregor Company of Athens, the card was postmarked as “Normal School” on November 11, 1907, and addressed to Miss Lennie Ware of Winder, Georgia.

    Lucy wrote on the back:

    ‘I saw “Cousin Dick” this A.M. Also “Cousin Will.”

    My dear Lennie: –

    I received your card yesterday

    I was more than glad to hear from you once again.

    I met “Icie” this A.M. I like her so much. I am sorry I haven’t known her sooner.

    Lennie, you write to me please. I wrote you aways in the summer but you have never answered it. Dear do come to see me real soon. I am crazy to see you. Write soon. With love, Lucy.’

    Lucy dear, get the hint: Lennie finds you annoying. You sound needy as hell. And what exactly are you doing with that “Cousin Dick”?

  • Words About G.L. Norrman: On His Professional Reputation (1901)

    G.L. Norrman.Projected design of Candler Hall (1901). University of Georgia, Athens.
    G.L. Norrman.Projected design of Candler Hall (1901). University of Georgia, Athens.1

    The Background

    Following a similar article in The Savannah Press, in May 1901, Wallace Putnam Reed wrote the following sketch of G.L. Norrman for his “Random Atlanta Gossip” column in The Macon Telegraph.

    Reed recounted remarks attributed to a man from Birmingham, Alabama, about Norrman’s recent work, including the Bienville Hotel in Mobile, Alabama, and Candler Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens (pictured above).

    One interesting aspect of the conversation is the speaker’s claim that “we are trying to induce Norrman to move to Birmingham.” Norrman considered moving to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1899,2 3 4 but ultimately remained in Atlanta.

    Article Excerpt:

    A Birmingham man who is a graduate of the University of Georgia called my attention, this morning, to the new dormitory, and mess hall of that institution, designed by Mr. G.L. Norrman, an Atlanta architect, who is somewhat famous throughout the South.

    “These will be the handsomest buildings on the campus,” said the visitor from Birmingham, as he pointed to their pictures on the first page of the Constitution. “I don’t know anything of the kind in Europe or America, at the same cost, which is equal to these structures, measured by the standards of beauty and utility. By the way, we are trying to induce Norrman to move to Birmingham. The new Hotel Bienville in Mobile is his work, you know, and it has made him the most popular man in Atlanta. There is something in fine architecture that appeals to the heads and hearts of all classes. I would rather be a great architect than almost anything else.”

    In the meantime Mr. Norrman who was standing within hearing walked off without waiting to be introduced to his admirer. Like most men of the genuine artistic temperament, he gets his satisfaction out of the work and cares less for compliments than any man I know.

    If he cares for distinction he can easily make himself recognized as one of the foremost architects of this country. The late John Wellborn Root of Atlanta, enjoyed that distinction, but in some lines Mr. Norrman is regarded as his superior.5

    References

    1. The Twenty-Ninth Annual Report from the Department of Education to the General Assembly of the State of Georgia. Atlanta: The Franklin Printing and Publishing Company, 1901 ↩︎
    2. “In Hotel Lobbies and Elsewhere”. The Age-Herald (Birmingham, Alabama), October 28, 1899, p. 4. ↩︎
    3. “In Hotel Lobbies and Elsewhere”. The Age-Herald (Birmingham, Alabama), December 16, 1899, p. 4. ↩︎
    4. Morgan, Thos. H. “Letter to Glenn Brown”. 1 January 1900. ↩︎
    5. Reed, Wallace Putnam. “Random Atlanta Gossip”. The Macon Telegraph (Macon, Georgia), May 3, 1901, p. 4. ↩︎

  • Words About G.L. Norrman: The Thinker, Scholar, and Traveler (1901)

    G.L. Norrman. Candler Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.
    G.L. Norrman. Candler Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.

    The Background

    In April and May 1901, Wallace Putnam Reed wrote at least three similar articles about G.L. Norrman that were published in different newspapers throughout the Southeast. The first article is included below, written by Reed for his weekly column in The Savannah Press.

    Here, Reed claimed Norrman was “A Swedish gentleman of aristocratic ancestry”, but that appears to be inaccurate.

    All evidence indicates Norrman came from an ordinary middle-class family, and if he falsely presented himself as a descendant of Swedish nobility, it was entirely unnecessary—he was remarkable enough on his own merits.

    Article Excerpt:

    Mr. G.L. Norrman, the well known Atlanta architect, has a legion of friends in Savannah who will be delighted with his splendid designs for the State University dormitory and mess hall, which were the most notable illustrations in The Constitution the other day.

    Mr. Norrman is in love with his profession. He is an original thinker, a scholar, and a traveler who has studied on their sites the best examples of the world’s ancient and modern architecture. When I do not find it convenient to spend a leisure hour in a big library I hunt up Norrman. He is a favorite with our brightest men, and the south is dotted with churches, public buildings, and residences which bear testimony to his skill and artistic taste.

    This man is worth a column here if we had the time and space. A Swedish gentleman of aristocratic ancestry, he has made himself the master of our language, and few writers have his happy gifts of expression. Though comparatively a young man, he is a type of our old-fashioned gentleman in his notions of honor, chivalry, and personal responsibility. It is gratifying to me to see his name imperishably linked with our university. His work will help it in more ways than one.1

    References

    1. Reed, Wallace Putnam. “Random Georgia Gossip.” The Savannah Press (Savannah, Georgia), April 27, 1901, p. 4. ↩︎
  • Denmark Hall (1902) – Athens, Georgia

    G.L. Norrman. Denmark Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.
    G.L. Norrman. Denmark Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.

    One of G.L. Norrmans least interesting works, Denmark Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, has always been something of a bastard stepchild.

    Tucked in a dark corner of the campus near South Lumpkin Street, the structure was designed primarily as a dining hall containing two adjoining 1,296-square-foot dining rooms and initially accommodated 144 students.1

    The structure was built concurrently with nearby Candler Hall and was named for B.A. Denmark of Savannah2, a University of Georgia alumnus and the chairman of the building committee for the university’s Board of Trustees, who died in June 1901, just weeks after approving Norrman’s plans,3 and one day before the building’s cornerstone ceremony.4

    Location of Denmark Hall

    Denmark had secured $45,000 from the Georgia legislature to fund the 2 buildings,5 but one of Norrman’s original plans called for combining the dining hall and dormitory into one structure—the committee rejected that proposal.6

    Candler Hall subsequently received the bulk of the funding— $28,0007—and most of Norrman’s attention, it seems. Denmark Hall was reportedly built for less than half that amount: $12,850.8

    Norrman’s plans were selected in open competition against a fairly meager crop of designers: J.W. GoLucke of Atlanta, Hodgson & Company of Athens, Georgia; E.C. Seiz of Atlanta; D.A. Myer of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Alexander Blair of Macon, Georgia; and Walter & Legare of Columbia, South Carolina.9

    It also no doubt helped that Norrman and B.A. Denmark had a history together: Denmark was a longtime member of Savannah’s local Board of Public Education, and approved Norrman’s plans for the Anderson Street School (1896),10 and presumably, the 38th Street School (1901).11

    The Design

    G.L. Norrman. Projected design of Denmark Hall (1901). University of Georgia, Athens.
    G.L. Norrman. Projected design of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia.12

    Low-slung and utilitarian, Denmark Hall was designed with a central 2-story structure that originally housed the dining rooms, flanked by a large one-story kitchen at the back and a small one-story wing at the front, containing a sitting room, lounge, and small recessed entry porch. Storage rooms were located in the basement.13

    The second floor included the “matron’s room”—living quarters for the dining hall manager—and “three other rooms for the use of students who may be sick enough to need such care and attention as they can be given there”, according to the Atlanta Constitution.14 A spacious recessed porch spanned the front of the second floor.

    The exterior of the building was clad in stucco-covered brick scored to resemble stone and given Neoclassical touches.

    Intact original elements include:

    • A simple Tuscan cornice around the main structure
    • A plain string course at the base of the building
    • A composite cornice on the front wing
    • Smooth pilasters on the front wing
    • Mullioned windows on the front wing
    • 4 chimneys

    Original elements that have been removed include:

    • The second-floor porch
    • 7 Doric columns
      • 2 decorative columns framing the entry
      • 5 supporting columns spaced across the second-floor porch
    • A balustrade lining the roof of the front wing
    • Dormer windows on the front and sides

    Denmark Hall’s facade evolved from Norrman’s design for the Arthur B.M. Gibbes Residence in Savannah, Georgia, built in 1900.15 The Gibbes home is one of the most atrocious designs Norrman ever put his name to, and Denmark Hall wasn’t much better.

    G.L. Norrman. Arthur B.M. Gibbes House (1900). Savannah, Georgia.
    G.L. Norrman. Arthur B.M. Gibbes Residence (1900). Savannah, Georgia.

    By the turn of the 20th century, Norrman had all but abandoned the brash, soaring lines and elements of his earlier designs: the lofty towers, fantastically high roofs, oversized porches and gables, and prominent chimneys.

    The transition was partly due to changing tastes, but also reflected a severely depressed economy and Norrman’s own dwindling fortunes.

    Looking at his projects circa 1897-1900, it’s clear that Norrman had lost confidence, inspiration, and interest: his designs from the time were often sluggish and banal, many of them poor rehashes of his earlier, more successful works.

    The Gibbes Residence was one such project, a clunky reiteration of his design for the Milton Dargan Residence in Atlanta.

    For Denmark Hall, Norrman took the template for the Dargan and Gibbes facades and stretched it out. The entry porch from those designs remained, but the Palladian windows on either side were replaced with simpler windows.

    The small recessed porch from the previous plans was expanded across the second floor, and the two large dormer windows from the Dargan house were shrunk to fit the building’s reduced height.

    Norrman was a master of working with solids and voids in his compositions, and in his design for Denmark Hall, you can easily spot his technique.

    It was as if he had removed a block of space from the second floor and placed it at the foot of the building, creating both the upper porch and the lower front wing—a simple but effective trick to achieve visual balance.

    The building’s overall composition would have been stronger if it had remained faithful to the design shown in the original rendering (above), which included a higher roofline.

    Why Norrman altered the roof to a lower pitch is unclear, but a vintage photograph of the building (pictured below) shows that the large porch columns and wide chimneys depicted in the illustration were substituted with thinner versions to accommodate the altered design, robbing the composition of much-needed vigor.

    Breaking with classical precedent, the odd number of columns across the front was an unconventional choice, and a subtle indicator of the building’s role as a modern facility for the 20th century.

    Photograph of Denmark Hall from an undated postcard.
    Photograph of Denmark Hall from an undated postcard.16

    Construction and History

    Construction on Denmark Hall began circa May 1901,17 using convict labor loaned by Clarke County.18

    There was a report from June 1901 that the university’s Board of Trustees had concerns about the quality of the building materials used in Denmark Hall and Candler Hall, which the Atlanta Constitution remarked were “without weight, the architect demonstrating to the satisfaction of the board that the material was all right.”19

    Denmark Hall’s cornerstone was laid on June 14, 1901,20 and a July report from “Supt. McKinly” stated that work on both buildings was expected to be completed by late October.21

    Denmark and Candler Halls ultimately opened on January 7, 1902. With delays blamed on weather and the holidays, construction on the buildings ran to the last minute, and their completion delayed the start of the school semester by four days.22

    In Denmark Hall’s first year of operation, students were charged a whopping $7.50 to $8 a month for meals.23

    The original “matron” of the facility was Mrs. B.H. Kinnebrew.24 She resigned in March 1908,25 after her husband, a sheriff’s deputy, shot and killed himself with a .44 caliber pistol “from no known cause” in their apartment on the building’s second floor.26 27

    By that time, students had already begun referring to Denmark Hall as “the Beanery”,28 an inglorious name that stuck with the structure for decades. By 1910, with the school’s halls overflowing, part of the second floor was converted to dormitory space,29 a function it served through at least the early 1920s.

    Interior of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia. Photograph from a postcard postmarked 1907.
    Interior of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia. Photograph from a postcard postmarked 1907.

    Norrman never seemed overly concerned with planning his structures for anticipated growth: he publicly railed against “waste space” and consistently designed his interiors to be as compact as possible while remaining functional.

    His design for Denmark Hall was no exception, and in November 1902, a newspaper report on the college’s record-breaking attendance stated that “every chair at the Denmark Dining Hall has been filled.”30

    By 1903, seating was increased to 160,31 and in 1908, the hall reportedly served 253 students, with the Board of Trustees asking the governor and legislature for “increased facilities at Denmark Hall.”32 In 1911, a report stated that the building was “taxed to its capacity”, requiring “enlargement and better equipment.”33

    Attendance at the school continued to grow, and despite repeated funding requests, Denmark Hall remained the only dining option on campus for more than 20 years.

    In 1914, the Athens Daily Herald reported that “the Beanery is crowded again this year”, adding, “we hope that the legislature will be able to make appropriations to enlarge the dining hall.”34

    In 1921, the Athens Daily Banner lamented: “Not only is the dining room crowded but the matter of cooking for 350 people in a kitchen equipped for two-thirds that number and not well equipped at that is taxing Mrs. Kennebrew’s [sic]most skillful management.”35 Apparently, Mrs. Kinnebrew returned.

    Finally, with the opening of Memorial Hall in June 1924, the campus gained additional dining space,36 although Denmark Hall remained the primary facility for that purpose.

    1936 addition to Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    1936 addition to Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia

    In 1936, Denmark Hall received its first expansion: a small cafeteria seating 92 students.37 38The cafeteria wing was attached to the southwest corner of the building,39 and its exterior appearance is remarkably congruent with Norrman’s design. The basement was also remodeled during the expansion.40

    The cafeteria plan quickly gained popularity, and in 1938, Denmark Hall became the first dining space on campus to switch entirely to the cafeteria system,41 ending the era of “food served in the old manner”, which required the employment of waiters.42

    In 1939, Mrs. M.D. Dunlap became the new director and dietitian of Denmark Hall,43 44 and she and her husband, a professor, took up residence on the second floor. At some point in their residency, Professor Dunlap began a garden on the roof of the front wing.45

    In 1942 and 1943, Denmark Hall received multiple additions to accommodate the feeding of 1,200 Signal Corps troops who trained on the University of Georgia campus in preparation for World War II.46 47 48

    The first expansion was an annex hastily added to the kitchen in 1942, expanding its size by a third.49 In 1943, four small additions were made to the building, including two screened porches.50 In September 1943, the Signal Corps school was closed,51 and the dining hall returned to student use.52 53

    With over $10,000 in improvements, the remodeled Denmark Hall was touted as “one of the most modern cafeterias on any campus in the South”,54 although that appears to have been hyperbole. In 1945, the university president reported to the Georgia General Assembly that the building was “outmoded and inadequate”. 55 56

    In 1948, after 10 years living on the second floor, Professor Dunlap moved to Atlanta, leaving his rooftop garden at Denmark Hall “wiltering”, according to one report.57 Seizing the opportunity, the college’s department of landscape architecture took over the building’s second floor, creating three draft rooms.58

    Since 1938, the landscape architecture department had been based at the Lumpkin House,59 60 a small antebellum residence that still stands on campus. With 75 students enrolled in the program,61 the new space in Denmark Hall was a much-needed addition to accommodate the department’s growth.

    East side of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    East side of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia

    In 1955, a popular student hangout spot called the Co-Op moved to Denmark Hall’s basement, where it included a soda fountain, snack bar, grill, and a supply store. For the Co-Op’s occupation of the space, the basement was air-conditioned and refinished in knotty pine.62 63

    The rest of the building, however, was not air-conditioned and was reportedly “in bad shape”. In 1952, an inspection committee identified Denmark Hall as one of several buildings “in need of extensive repairs.”64

    First-hand accounts of the Beanery at the time were unpleasant: students described it as “drab old Denmark Hall”,65 where “…to find your food during the warm months, you have to push literally dozens of flies from your plate.”66 Savory.

    With the opening of a new cafeteria in nearby Memorial Hall, the last meal at Denmark Hall was served on March 14, 1956, ending 55 years of continuous food service.67 68

    The university had previously announced its plans to demolish Denmark Hall,69 70 but the building was instead spared and received an extensive $40,000 overhaul for use as the landscape architecture department’s new home.71 72

    Looking at Denmark Hall from the northwest
    Looking at Denmark Hall from the northwest

    Primarily designed by E.C. Weren, a member of the landscape architecture faculty, Denmark Hall’s renovation was not sympathetic to Norrman’s original design.

    The renovation included the demolition of most of the original kitchen, a complete overhaul of the interior, enclosure of the second-floor porch, an outdoor stairwell tacked on to the west side of the building, air conditioning, and “extensive use of screen walls and glass.”73

    This also appears to be when Denmark Hall’s columns, dormers, and balustrade were removed from the exterior, as they were still present in a photograph from 1951.74

    The renovated building officially reopened on October 16, 1957.75

    The Co-Op remained in the basement during Denmark Hall’s renovation and was expanded,76 77 78 but in 1963, it was unceremoniously shuttered for full occupation by the landscape architecture department.79

    On October 6, 1964, the building officially reopened again, with the basement now housing a model shop, blueprint room, darkroom, drafting room, and 2 classrooms. The basement renovation reportedly cost $100,000, more than twice the amount spent on the entire building 7 years earlier.80

    Rear of Denmark Hall with screen walls from the 1957 renovation
    Rear of Denmark Hall with screen walls from the 1957 renovation

    Denmark Hall’s 1964 renovation was its last substantial alteration, although it has received piecemeal alterations and upgrades for decades. As of 2025, the building remains in use by the landscape architecture department’s successor, the College of Environment + Design.

    Essentially nothing of Denmark Hall’s original interior remains, but if you stand outside and squint your eyes, you can still make out the form of Norrman’s design.

    While Candler Hall received a beautiful renovation in 2003,81 the University of Georgia has shown little appetite to renovate its less-attractive sibling, which could still be accurately described as “drab old Denmark Hall.”

    The College of Environment + Design’s 2025 strategic plan included a vague goal to “renovate Denmark Hall as a cutting-edge teaching facility… funds permitting.”82

    That doesn’t sound very promising, does it?

    Gallery

    Dentilled cornice on the first-floor facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Dentilled cornice on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    First-floor double window on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    First-floor double window on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Keystone design and a window mullion on Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Keystone design and a window mullion on Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Cornice on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Cornice on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Pilaster and dentilled cornice on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia
    Pilaster and dentilled cornice on the facade of Denmark Hall, Athens, Georgia

    References

    1. “Plan of University Buildings Complete”. The Atlanta Constitution, April 24, 1901, p. 1. ↩︎
    2. “Named in Honor of B.A. Denmark.” The Athens Daily Banner, June 22, 1901, p. 3. ↩︎
    3. “Plans Accepted by the Trustees”. The Athens Daily Banner, April 13, 1901, p. 3. ↩︎
    4. “Profound Gloom on the Campus”. The Athens Daily Banner, June 14, 1901, p. 3. ↩︎
    5. The Twenty-Ninth Annual Report from the Department of Education to the General Assembly of the State of Georgia. Atlanta: The Franklin Printing and Publishing Company, 1901 ↩︎
    6. “To Discuss Buildings.” Savannah Morning News, April 12, 1901, p. 10. ↩︎
    7. “Plan of University Buildings Complete”. The Atlanta Constitution, April 24, 1901, p. 1. ↩︎
    8. “Denmark Hall.” The Red and Black, April 28, 1903, p. 2. ↩︎
    9. “Discussing New Plans For New Buildings.” The Athens Daily Banner (Athens, Georgia), March 2, 1901, p. 4. ↩︎
    10. “Norrman’s Plan Accepted.” The Morning News (Savannah, Georgia), February 11, 1896, p. 9. ↩︎
    11. “School Contract Awarded.” The Morning News (Savannah, Georgia), March 13, 1900, p. 8. ↩︎
    12. The Twenty-Ninth Annual Report from the Department of Education to the General Assembly of the State of Georgia. Atlanta: The Franklin Printing and Publishing Company, 1901 ↩︎
    13. “Plan of University Buildings Complete”. The Atlanta Constitution, April 24, 1901, p. 1. ↩︎
    14. ibid. ↩︎
    15. “Dwellings.” The Engineering Record, Volume 41, no. 12 (March 24, 1900), p. 287. ↩︎
    16. Doster, Gary L. A Postcard History of Athens, Georgia. Athens, Georgia: Athens Historical Society (2002). ↩︎
    17. “Notice to Contractors.” Athens Daily Banner, April 23, 1901, p. 3. ↩︎
    18. McManus, Rebecca, Alexandra Green, and Sophia Latz. Denmark Hall Historic Structure Report. ↩︎
    19. “Board of Trustees Make Full Report”. The Atlanta Constitution, June 17, 1901, p. 2. ↩︎
    20. “The Program for Today.” The Athens Daily Banner, June 14, 1901, p. 4. ↩︎
    21. “Work Resumed on Students Mess Hall.” The Weekly Banner (Athens, Georgia), July 19, 1901, p. 7. ↩︎
    22. “University Opens Again on Jan. 7.” The Weekly Banner (Athens, Georgia), January 3, 1902, p. 1. ↩︎
    23. “For Sons of Farmers”. The Oglethorpe Echo (Lexington, Georgia), November 22, 1901, p. 8. ↩︎
    24. “Mrs. Kinnebrew To Be In Charge”. The Weekly Banner (Athens, Georgia), September 13, 1901, p. 7. ↩︎
    25. “Editorial Notes”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 14, 1908, p. 2. ↩︎
    26. “Athens.” The Jackson Herald (Jefferson, Georgia), March 12, 1908, p. 4. ↩︎
    27. The Hartwell Sun (Hartwell, Georgia), March 13, 1908, p. 6. ↩︎
    28. “Editorial Notes”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 14, 1908, p. 2. ↩︎
    29. “Flames Broke Out In Denmark Hall”. The Athens Banner, April 9, 1910, p. 1. ↩︎
    30. “University Letter.” The Danielsville Monitor (Danielsville, Georgia), November 28, 1902, p. 2. ↩︎
    31. “Denmark Hall.” The Red and Black, April 28, 1903, p. 2. ↩︎
    32. “School Gets $75,000”. The Clayton Tribune (Clayton, Georgia), June 18, 1908, p. 1. ↩︎
    33. “A Large Equipment Necessary.” The Athens Banner, October 5, 1911, p. 4. ↩︎
    34. “Denmark Hall too Small”. The Athens Daily Herald. October 12, 1914, p. 5. ↩︎
    35. “Feeding Summer School Attend Ants Expertly”. The Athens Daily Banner, July 8, 1921, p. 5. ↩︎
    36. “Memorial Hall Is Dedicated Tuesday to Georgia’s Dead.” The Banner-Herald (Athens, Georgia), June 17, 1924, p. 1. ↩︎
    37. “Cafeteria Annex Opened at Denmark Dining Hall”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia). October 2, 1936, p. 10. ↩︎
    38. “Registration Reaches 2,815 for Fall Term To Break Old Mark”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 2, 1936, p. 1. ↩︎
    39. McManus, Rebecca, Alexandra Green, and Sophia Latz. Denmark Hall Historic Structure Report. ↩︎
    40. “Cafeteria Annex Opened at Denmark Dining Hall”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia). October 2, 1936, p. 10. ↩︎
    41. “Building Program Will Be Completed In About 60 Days”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), September 27, 1940, p. 19. ↩︎
    42. “Views Around Georgia”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), November 6, 1936, p. 4. ↩︎
    43. “House Mothers Add ‘Home Atmosphere’ In Joe Brown and Milledge Dormitories”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), September 29, 1939, p. 16. ↩︎
    44. “Cafeteria Is Seeking Home Atmosphere”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), September 29, 1939, p. 17. ↩︎
    45. Abney, George Jr. “Professor-Gardener Proves Drab Spaces Can Be Useful”. Athens Banner-Herald, September 22, 1948, p. 7. ↩︎
    46. “Denmark Hall Enlarged to Feed Armed Forces”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 6, 1942, p. 1. ↩︎
    47. “Additions Being Made to ‘Beanery’”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), July 9, 1943, p. 1. ↩︎
    48. Marshall, George. “Campus Construction Now Under Full Speed”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), July 31, 1942, p. 1. ↩︎
    49. “Denmark Hall Enlarged to Feed Armed Forces”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 6, 1942, p. 1. ↩︎
    50. “Additions Being Made to ‘Beanery’”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), July 9, 1943, p. 1. ↩︎
    51. “Signal Corps School Here Is To Be Closed September 24”. Athens Banner-Herald, July 11, 1943, p. 1. ↩︎
    52. “Denmark Hall Opens in Fall For Students”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), August 13, 1943, p. 1. ↩︎
    53. “Denmark Hall”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), August 13, 1943, p. 2. ↩︎
    54. “Denmark Hall Opens in Fall For Students”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), August 13, 1943, p. 1. ↩︎
    55. “$4,820,000 Appropriation Needed by University For Post-War Buildings”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), July 27, 1945, p. 1. ↩︎
    56. “A Step Forward”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), July 27, 1945, p. 2. ↩︎
    57. Abney, George Jr. “Professor-Gardener Proves Drab Spaces Can Be Useful”. Athens Banner-Herald, September 22, 1948, p. 7. ↩︎
    58. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 1, 1948, p. 8. ↩︎
    59. “Landscape Architecture Graduates Plan Departmental Homecoming Next Fall.” The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), May 27, 1938, p. 2. ↩︎
    60. “Alumni To Move To Lumpkin House”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), May 23, 1957, p. 3. ↩︎
    61. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 1, 1948, p. 8. ↩︎
    62. “Student Co-Op To Move Into Denmark Basement”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 21, 1954, p. 1. ↩︎
    63. “Co-Op To Move Monday Into Denmark Basement”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), January 7, 1955, p. 1. ↩︎
    64. “House Sub-Committee Reports On University Inspection Tour”, Athens Banner-Herald, January 21, 1952, p. 2. ↩︎
    65. Bradford, Bob. “Soup a la Fly”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), January 7, 1954, p. 4. ↩︎
    66. Branch, Roger. “Let’s Eat–Better”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), May 20, 1954, p. 4. ↩︎
    67. “Student Union Re-Opening Hailed By Early Christening Ceremonies”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 23, 1956, p. 1. ↩︎
    68. “Denmark Dining Hall Ends After 50 Years Service”. Athens Banner-Herald, March 13, 1956, p. 1. ↩︎
    69. “New Dining Hall Approved”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), December 12, 1952, p. 1. ↩︎
    70. “New Building Program To Include Arts Center”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), May 5, 1955, p. 11. ↩︎
    71. “Landscape Architecture Uses Old Colonial Home”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), March 8, 1956, p. 14. ↩︎
    72. “University Prepares Denmark for Landscape Architecture”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 12, 1956, p. 2. ↩︎
    73. “Open House Set Tomorrow At Landscape Architecture”. Athens Banner-Herald, October 15, 1957, p. 1. ↩︎
    74. “Red and Black Photographer Views Parking Situation”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 19, 1951, p. 1. ↩︎
    75. “Open House Set Tomorrow At Landscape Architecture”. Athens Banner-Herald, October 15, 1957, p. 1. ↩︎
    76. “Final Co-op Plans Receive Approval”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), February 28, 1957, p. 1. ↩︎
    77. “Old ‘Beanery’ Now Modern Campus Landscape Building”. Athens Banner-Herald, September 13, 1957, p. 1. ↩︎
    78. “Denmark Renovation To Expand Facilities For Crowded Co-Op”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), January 17, 1957, p. 1. ↩︎
    79. Taylor, Pat. “Old Co-Op Becomes A Victim of Growth”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), September 20, 1963, p. 1. ↩︎
    80. “Landscape Architecture Building Opens Oct. 6 With Formal Ceremonies”. Athens Banner-Herald, October 5, 1964, p. 1. ↩︎
    81. University of Georgia Historic Preservation Master Plan, October 2019 ↩︎
    82. University of Georgia College of Environment + Design 2025 Strategic Plan ↩︎

    Additional Reading

    1. “Bids for the New Buildings.” The Red and Black, February 2, 1901, p. 3.
    2. “Trustees Will Select Plans.” The Athens Daily Banner, March 1, 1901, p. 4.
    3. “Will Pass Upon the Plans”. The Atlanta Constitution, March 1, 1901, p. 2.
    4. “Discussing Plans for New Buildings.” The Athens Daily Banner, March 2, 1901, p. 4.
    5. “Dormitory and Mess Hall”. The Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1901, p. 2.
    6. “Committee Accepts Plans”. The Atlanta Constitution, March 3, 1901, p. 4.
    7. ‘”Building Committee” Transact Important Business.’ The Red and Black, March 9, 1901, p. 1.
    8. “Plans for Buildings Were Discussed Today.” The Atlanta Journal, April 6, 1901, p. 5.
    9. “New Dormitory Plans Completed”. The Atlanta Journal, April 8, 1901, p. 5.
    10. “Board of Visitors Make Annual Report”. The Athens Banner, June 14, 1906, p. 9.
    11. “Increase”. Athens Banner, September 19, 1907, p. 1.
    12. “The University Needs Dormitories.” The Athens Banner, October 4, 1907, p. 4.
    13. “Coming Appropriation Bill”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), June 17, 1913, p. 8.
    14. “University of Georgia and Its Great Work”. The Athens Daily Herald. August 13, 1914, p. 10.
    15. “A Pressing Need”. The Athens Banner, September 19, 1916, p. 4.
    16. Drewry, John E. “Space Problem At University Acute”. The Athens Daily Banner, August 4, 1921, p. 5.
    17. “Stingy Legislature Helps Make University a School for Rich Men’s Sons Only”. The Banner-Herald (Athens, Georgia), October 3, 1923, p. 1.
    18. “Forecast Large Enrollment at the University”, The Athens Banner, September 17, 1921, p. 8.
    19. Many Women Will Attend University”. Athens Daily Herald, September 19, 1921, p. 5.
    20. Reynolds, Charles. “University Prepares for Start Of 136th Annual Session Sept. 17”. Athens Banner-Herald, August 30, 1936, p. 1.
    21. “What’s Rotten in Denmark”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 27, 1944, p. 4.
    22. “Letters to the editor”. The Red and Black (Athens, Georgia), October 27, 1944, p. 4.
  • Introduction to G.L. Norrman

    “The soul inspires art, and then art transforms and elevates matter to the ideal height of heavenly beauty.” – G.L. Norrman1

    G.L. Norrman. Windsor Hotel (1892). Americus, Georgia.
    G.L. Norrman. Windsor Hotel (1892). Americus, Georgia.

    Gottfried Leonard Norrman (1848-1909)—known professionally as G.L. Norrmanwas a leading architect of Atlanta and the Southeastern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and unquestionably the finest Southern designer of his era.

    G.L. Norrman circa 1892

    Born in Voxtorp, Sweden, in 1848, Norrman (pictured here2) emigrated to the United States in 1874 and first established his practice in the Upcountry of South Carolina, starting in Greenville in 1876 before moving to Spartanburg in 1878, where he became a U.S. citizen.

    In May 1881, Norrman moved his business to Atlanta and was based there for the remainder of his life. A prominent and controversial fixture of the city’s social scene, Norrman shocked Atlantans and spurred national headlines when he died by suicide in November 1909 at the age of 61.

    In his 33-year career, Norrman completed over 300 buildings across 5 Southeastern states—Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama—with the bulk of his work consisting of grand public structures and elegant residences in Atlanta, most of which were demolished in the 20th century.

    He also worked extensively in small towns across the region, as well as in cities such as Savannah, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Charleston, South Carolina.

    Norrman closely followed the work of prominent Northern architects such as H.H. Richardson, McKim, Mead & White, and Louis Sullivan, and worked in step with the era’s emerging design trends, introducing the Colonial Revival and Classical Revival styles to the Southeast, among other notable contributions.

    Pictured here: G.L. Norrman. Citizens Bank (1896). Savannah, Georgia.

    G.L. Norrman. Citizens Bank (1896). Savannah, Georgia.

    I was introduced to Norrman’s work as a child growing up in Americus, Georgia, where 7 of his works remain, including the landmark Windsor Hotel (1892, pictured above), which I consider his masterwork.

    Seamlessly blending the Romanesque style with Moorish, Queen Anne, and Palladian elements, the Windsor is the finest example of Norrman’s skillful ability to create eclectic designs that were striking, harmonious, and awe-inspiring.

    Of the more than 400 projects designed by Norrman, at least 64 still exist in some form; I have mapped and listed them below.


    Extant Works by G.L. Norrman

    Projects listed by date of construction.

    G.L. Norrman. Edward C. Peters Residence, "Ivy Hall" (1883). Atlanta.
    G.L. Norrman. Edward C. Peters Residence, “Ivy Hall” (1883). Atlanta.
    1. Springwood Cemetery, designed in 1876 – Greenville, South Carolina [Map]
    2. Charles Lanneau Residence, completed 1877 – 417 Belmont Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina [Map]
    3. William T. Wilkins Residence(attributed), completed 1878 – 105 Mills Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina [Map] [Related Videos: An inside look at the Wilkins House, Tour historic mansion in its new spot]
    4. Block of 2 storerooms (attributed, altered), completed 1879 – 101 East Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina [Map]
    5. Newberry Hotel, completed 1880 – 1200 Main Street, Newberry, South Carolina [Map]
    6. City Hall and Opera House, completed 1882 – 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, South Carolina [Map] [Related Video: O is for Opera House]
    7. Stone Hall, completed 1882 – Morris Brown College, Atlanta University Center [Map]
    8. Edward C. Peters Residence, “Ivy Hall”, completed 1883 – 179 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Midtown, Atlanta [Map] [Video: Visit Ivy Hall with Paula Wallace]
    9. Christ Church, built 1886 – 305 East Central Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia [Map]
    10. All Saints Church (altered), built 1886 – 530 Greenwood Street, Barnesville, Georgia [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. W.W. Duncan Residence (1886). Spartanburg, South Carolina.
    G.L. Norrman. W.W. Duncan Residence (1886). Spartanburg, South Carolina.
    1. W.W. Duncan Residence, completed 1886 – 300 Howard Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina [Map]
    2. George A. Noble Residence, completed 1887 – 1025 Fairmont Avenue, Anniston, Alabama [Map]
    3. Printup Hotel (altered), completed 1888 – 135 North 4th Street, Gadsden, Alabama [Map]
    4. Armstrong Hotel, ground floor facade (altered), building completed 1888 and demolished 1932, ground floor facade incorporated into replacement building – 90 East 2nd Avenue, Rome, Georgia [Map]
    5. Samuel McGowan Residence, completed 1889 – 211 North Main Street, Abbeville, South Carolina [Map]
    6. Ervin Maxwell Residence, “Fort View”, completed 1889 – 134 McDonald Street SW, Marietta, Georgia [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. T.W. Latham Residence (1889). Inman Park, Atlanta.
    G.L. Norrman. T.W. Latham Residence (1889). Inman Park, Atlanta.
    1. Thomas W. Latham Residence, completed 1889 – 804 Edgewood Avenue NE, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    2. Atlanta and Edgewood Street Railroad Shed (attributed), completed 1889 – 963 Edgewood Avenue NE, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    3. 125 Edgewood Avenue (attributed), completed 1889 – Downtown, Atlanta [Map]
    4. W.L. Glessner Residence (attributed), completed 1890 – 1202 South Lee Street, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    5. E. A. Hawkins Residence, completed 1890 – 406 East Church Street, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    6. Home for East Atlanta Land Company, completed 1890 – 897 Edgewood Avenue NE, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    7. Home for East Atlanta Land Company, completed 1890 – 882 Euclid Avenue NE, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    8. Standard Wagon Company Building (attributed), completed 1891 – 58 Walton Street NW, Fairlie-Poplar, Atlanta [Map]
    9. M. B. Council Residence (attributed), completed 1891 – 602 Rees Park, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    10. City Hall and Fire Station, completed 1891 – 109 North Lee Street, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. Henry Street School (1892). Savannah, Georgia.
    G.L. Norrman. Henry Street School (1892). Savannah, Georgia.
    1. Henry Street School, completed 1892 – 115 West Henry Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    2. W. P. Carrington Residence, completed 1892 – 2 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina [Map] [Related Video: Two Meeting Street Inn]
    3. Windsor Hotel, completed 1892 – 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    4. College Inn (altered), completed 1892 – 2 Epworth Dorm Lane, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina [Map]
    5. Edgewood Avenue Grammar School, completed 1892 – 729 Edgewood Avenue NE, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    6. John W. Wheatley Residence, expansion and renovation (attributed) of home built circa 1860, completed 1892 – 128 Georgia Highway 49 North, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    7. John T. Taylor Residence(attributed), completed 1892 – 603 South Lee Street, Americus, Georgia [Map]
    8. George W. Williams Residence, Jr. expansion and renovation(attributed) of home built circa 1770, completed 1892 – 15 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina [Map]
    9. Fannie Lou Cozart Residence renovation and expansion of home built circa 1825, completed 1893 – 211 East Court Street, Washington, Georgia [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. J.C. Simonds Residence (1893). Charleston, South Carolina.
    G.L. Norrman. J.C. Simonds Residence (1893). Charleston, South Carolina.
    1. J.C. Simonds Residence, renovation and expansion of home originally built in 1856, completed 1893 – 29 East Battery Street, Charleston, South Carolina [Map] [Related Video:29 E Battery Porcher-Simons house Charleston]
    2. R.O. Barksdale Residence, completed 1893 – 33 Lexington Avenue, Washington, Georgia [Map]
    3. C. D. Hurt Residence (attributed), completed 1893 – 36 Delta Place, Inman Park, Atlanta [Map]
    4. Sixteenth Street School, completed 1893 – 1532 3rd Avenue, Columbus, Georgia [Map]
    5. W.B. Chisolm Residence, expansion and renovation(attributed) of home built circa 1816, renovation circa 1893 – 68 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina [Map]
    6. T.P. Ivy Residence, completed 1895 – 785 Piedmont Avenue NE, Midtown, Atlanta [Map]
    7. Citizens Bank, completed 1895 – 15 Drayton Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    8. Wellhouse and Son Building, completed 1896 – 263 Decatur Street SE, Downtown, Atlanta [Map]
    9. Milton Dargan Residence, completed 1897 – 767 Piedmont Avenue NE, Midtown, Atlanta [Map]
    10. W.L. Reynolds Residence, completed 1897 – 761 Piedmont Avenue NE, Midtown, Atlanta [Map]
    G.L. Norrman (attributed). Cleveland Law Range (1899). Spartanburg, South Carolina.
    G.L. Norrman (attributed). Cleveland Law Range (1899). Spartanburg, South Carolina.
    1. Cleveland Law Range(attributed), completed 1899 – 175 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina [Map]
    2. Anderson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, completed 1899 – 312 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Georgia [Map]
    3. Henry D. Stevens Residence, renovation and expansion of home built 1866, completed 1899 – 303 East Gaston Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    4. Arthur B.M. Gibbes Residence, completed 1900 – 105 East 37th Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    5. 38th Street School, completed 1901 – 315 West 38th Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. Candler Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.
    G.L. Norrman. Candler Hall (1902). University of Georgia, Athens.
    1. Candler Hall, completed 1902 – University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia [Map]
    2. Denmark Hall, completed 1902 – University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia [Map]
    3. Bisbee Building, completed 1902 – 57 West Bay Street, Jacksonville, Florida [Map]
    4. Eureka Hotel, completed 1902–03 – 104 East Pickens Street, Abbeville, South Carolina [Map] [Related Video: Belmont Inn]
    5. Lawrence McNeil Residence, completed 1904 – 513 Whitaker Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map] [Related Video: Savannah, GA, Colonial Mansion Tour]
    6. C.W. Dupre Residence(attributed), completed 1904 – 393 Cherokee Street NE, Marietta, Georgia [Map]
    7. First Baptist Church, completed 1905-16 – 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama [Map]
    8. Barnard Street School, completed 1906 – 212 West Taylor Street, Savannah, Georgia [Map]
    9. E. W. McCerren Apartments, “The Chester”, completed 1907 – 223 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE; Midtown, Atlanta [Map]
    10. Piedmont Driving Club renovation and expansion(altered), originally designed by Norrman in 1887, built from a home constructed in 1868; partially destroyed by fire on January 11, 1906; rebuilt and expanded to Norrman’s design from 1906-07 – 1215 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta [Map]
    G.L. Norrman. Palmer Apartments (1908). Midtown, Atlanta.
    G.L. Norrman. Palmer Apartments (1908). Midtown, Atlanta.
    1. Palmer Apartments, completed 1908 – 81 Peachtree Place NE, Midtown, Atlanta [Map]
    2. E.S. Ehney Residence, completed 1908 – 223 15th Street NE, Ansley Park, Atlanta [Map]
    3. Ella B. Wofford Residence, completed 1909 – 571 East Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina [Map]
    4. Central Methodist Church, transepts and renovation, completed 1910 by Hentz & Reid – 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina [Map]

    See also: Projects by G.L. Norrman – The Complete List

    References

    1. “The Sketch Club!” The Atlanta Journal, January 11, 1892, p. 3. ↩︎
    2. Photo credit: City of Atlanta: A Descriptive, Historical and Industrial Review of the Gateway City of the South, p. 107. ↩︎