Click image to enlarge. Across the tracks from Athens' adaptively renovated 1907 depot, a picturesque business row stands as a reminder of the intimate physical link that once existed between railroad transportation and commerce throughout small-town America. While countless older commercial districts in Alabama struggle to remain alive, downtown Athens thrives. Stores are full in the short block between the old depot and handsome courthouse square, and a number of vintage commercial structures have been attractively refurbished or, better still, continuously maintained.
The c. 1920 Griffin Hotel, fronted by a long iron balcony, is the centerpiece of the row of business houses opposite the train station. Here, traveling salesmen--called "drummers" in those days--put up for a night or for weeks at a time as they worked the surrounding countryside. A faded sign painted on the side of the hotel still advertises rooms for fifty cents. During the early 1900s, adjacent structures housed, among other things, a silent movie theater and a car dealership that sold Hudson and Essex automobiles. Locally the row has been known as "Chapman's Quarters" since businessman J. E. Chapman acquired it in the early 1940s. The entire row is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Athens Courthouse Square Historic District.
Recently, the Limestone County Commission purchased "Chapman's Quarters." A parking lot or a new office structure has been mentioned for the site. Many townspeople, however, as well as members of the City Historical Commission, would like the county to explore the option of retaining and recycling at least some of the buildings. Behind refurbished facades, interiors could be retrofitted for contemporary usage. Commented one local, "You don't see many old-fashioned business districts this intact anymore. And where can you still find an old-time hotel directly across from the depot? All this is part of what makes our downtown special."
Recently, the Limestone County Commission purchased "Chapman's Quarters." A parking lot or a new office structure has been mentioned for the site. Many townspeople, however, as well as members of the City Historical Commission, would like the county to explore the option of retaining and recycling at least some of the buildings. Behind refurbished facades, interiors could be retrofitted for contemporary usage. Commented one local, "You don't see many old-fashioned business districts this intact anymore. And where can you still find an old-time hotel directly across from the depot? All this is part of what makes our downtown special."
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