The Dahlonega City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority on June 15 to redevelop the historic Head House.
The two entities plan to redevelop the two-story home into offices for the DDA on the top floor and commercial space on the bottom, according to a press release from the DDA.
In addition, the DDA officially submitted its pre-application for the house to the state historic preservation office on June 19.
The home, which is located on the corner of Choice Avenue at 47 S. Park Street in downtown Dahlonega, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. Dr. Homer Head built the home in 1909 for his bride by using salvaged wood from the 1841 Baptist Church. The City of Dahlonega then acquired the home in 2018.
“The Head House has such a rich Dahlonega history…it really is a community jewel,” said Dahlonega Mayor Sam Norton. “But it’s more than that, it’s an opportunity to reinvest in our downtown and grow our local economy.”
The home has previously been used for retail and commercial space but has sat vacant for the past decade.
Members of the DDA board hope to turn the bottom floor of the home into a restaurant with conceptual designs including a large outdoor dining space.
“Prior to COVID-19, DDA staff was in talks with three different restaurateurs considering the Head House for a new restaurant or a second location,” said DDA Chairman Mike Miller. “The board remains confident that it will secure just the right tenant to take advantage of this incredible location.”
Anyone interested in leasing the first-floor space, which measures 1,645 square feet, can contact DDA Executive Director Shannon Ferguson at 706-482-2707 or [email protected].
Ferguson said a project timeline on the space should be available in the next 60-90 days.
The Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority is a seven-member board comprised of downtown Dahlonega property owners, local business owners and other community representatives. Members are appointed by the mayor and city council. This board and its Georgia Main Street program are responsible for economic development and recruitment efforts for the downtown area.
