History or a Parking Lot? Help Save the Saye Building
History or a Parking Lot? Help Save the Saye Building
The Issue
History or a Parking Lot? Help Save the Saye Building
For over a century, the Saye Building has been a cornerstone of downtown Athens, home to businesses like the Athens Business College, Social Security offices, the downtown offices of The Red & Black, and the offices of D. Saye—the developer behind Beechwood, Beechwood Hills, and countless other places throughout the Athens area. It has also housed blacksmiths, auto repair shops, one of the first dry cleaners in Athens, and O.H. Epting Insurance Company. It is nationally recognized in the National Register of Historic Places and contributes to Athens history and character.
Now, it faces demolition—for only about a dozen parking spaces.
An Opportunity to Preserve and Strengthen Our Community
A local buyer has offered $2 million to purchase and restore the 22,000-square-foot Saye Building, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of downtown. The project qualifies for historic tax credits, bringing additional investment—similar to successful projects like Ponce City Market in Atlanta.
This is a win-win opportunity: preserving history, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our community. But to make it happen, we need to act now.
A Critical Vote is Coming
The Mayor & Commission will soon decide whether to allow demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission has already voted to protect the building, and the Planning Commission has delayed the decision, asking for more information. There is still time to find a better solution, but the final vote could go either way.
A Path Forward
Athens First United Methodist Church has been an integral part of our city’s history and a leader in serving the community. This decision is an opportunity to continue that legacy by:
✅ Accepting $2 million to preserve and revitalize the 22,000-square-foot Saye Building while providing immediate resources to expand the church’s mission and impact in Athens
✅ Allowing a historic landmark to serve Athens for generations to come
✅ Encouraging thoughtful, community-driven solutions that align with the church’s values of stewardship and service
By considering this sale, the church can turn a difficult decision into an opportunity to strengthen its outreach, fund new initiatives, and invest directly in the people of Athens—all while ensuring a valuable part of the city’s history remains.
How You Can Help
✔ Sign & Share this petition to encourage a positive outcome.
✔ Contact the Mayor & Commission—let them know you support preservation
✔ Encourage open dialogue with Athens First United Methodist Church about a path forward that benefits everyone: Athens First UMC Contact Page
Athens has the chance to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth, preservation, and progress. Let’s work together to make it happen.
Sign today to support a stronger future for Athens.
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Open Letter to Athens First UMC, Re: Saye Building Sale
NEWS: “Commission Approves West Downtown Historic District” via Flagpole by Blake Aued
1,049
The Issue
History or a Parking Lot? Help Save the Saye Building
For over a century, the Saye Building has been a cornerstone of downtown Athens, home to businesses like the Athens Business College, Social Security offices, the downtown offices of The Red & Black, and the offices of D. Saye—the developer behind Beechwood, Beechwood Hills, and countless other places throughout the Athens area. It has also housed blacksmiths, auto repair shops, one of the first dry cleaners in Athens, and O.H. Epting Insurance Company. It is nationally recognized in the National Register of Historic Places and contributes to Athens history and character.
Now, it faces demolition—for only about a dozen parking spaces.
An Opportunity to Preserve and Strengthen Our Community
A local buyer has offered $2 million to purchase and restore the 22,000-square-foot Saye Building, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of downtown. The project qualifies for historic tax credits, bringing additional investment—similar to successful projects like Ponce City Market in Atlanta.
This is a win-win opportunity: preserving history, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our community. But to make it happen, we need to act now.
A Critical Vote is Coming
The Mayor & Commission will soon decide whether to allow demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission has already voted to protect the building, and the Planning Commission has delayed the decision, asking for more information. There is still time to find a better solution, but the final vote could go either way.
A Path Forward
Athens First United Methodist Church has been an integral part of our city’s history and a leader in serving the community. This decision is an opportunity to continue that legacy by:
✅ Accepting $2 million to preserve and revitalize the 22,000-square-foot Saye Building while providing immediate resources to expand the church’s mission and impact in Athens
✅ Allowing a historic landmark to serve Athens for generations to come
✅ Encouraging thoughtful, community-driven solutions that align with the church’s values of stewardship and service
By considering this sale, the church can turn a difficult decision into an opportunity to strengthen its outreach, fund new initiatives, and invest directly in the people of Athens—all while ensuring a valuable part of the city’s history remains.
How You Can Help
✔ Sign & Share this petition to encourage a positive outcome.
✔ Contact the Mayor & Commission—let them know you support preservation
✔ Encourage open dialogue with Athens First United Methodist Church about a path forward that benefits everyone: Athens First UMC Contact Page
Athens has the chance to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth, preservation, and progress. Let’s work together to make it happen.
Sign today to support a stronger future for Athens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open Letter to Athens First UMC, Re: Saye Building Sale
NEWS: “Commission Approves West Downtown Historic District” via Flagpole by Blake Aued
1,049
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on February 27, 2025