Here is a brief history unfolding the events as they occurred that led to the opening of the Classic Center in 1995.
- 1912 - The Fire Hall Number 1 (one) was built to serve as the main station of five stations for the city of Athens and was also built to serve as a central meeting place for social gatherings.
- 1987 - Civic Center Study committee was created to look at what type of facility would best serve the community's needs for a public assembly facility. The Civic Center Study committee spent countless hours traveling all over the country meeting with local performing arts organizations, community groups, hoteliers, local businesses, meeting planners, and consultants to decide what kind of public assembly facility would be a perfect fit for Athens. The study committee recommended a facility with the components we presently have in the Classic Center. Another important component of the recommendation was that an authority be created to oversee and run the operation of the center. The recommendation of the study committee was included in a special purpose local option sales tax referendum in November 1987. The referendum passed by a 2/3 margin thus showing the tremendous local support for the center.
- 1988 - The Georgia General Assembly passed a local bill creating the Classic Center Authority. Upon appointment of the Classic Center Authority, together with the county government, the Authority hired James Polsheck, a world-renowned architect. The first design for the facility called for the demolition of the fire hall, which community members felt could become a centerpiece for the new facility, linking the old with the new. The Polsheck design also downsized the Theatre, making rooms and exhibition space.
- 1990-1993 - After much controversy the Authority hired Rabin Hogan Hatch and Oshee to revise the drawings to include a larger Theatre, more expansive exhibit space and save the historic treasure of the fire hall.
- 1994 - Construction on the facility began with Winter Construction Company acting as the design-build contractor.
- 1995 - The Authority hired Paul Cramer to serve as Executive Director.
- 1995 - The Authority opened the first phase of the facility including the Ballroom and Exhibit Hall.
- 1996 - The Performing Arts Theatre was opened with the Broadway musical "Cats" as it played to a packed house.
The Classic Center shines on today as a sign of what a motivated community effort can accomplish when working together. The Classic Center truly belongs to the people of Athens and North Georgia!
