What if houses could talk? The Edward C. Peters House could tell tales of Atlanta’s transformation. It stands here as a reminder of a bygone era. This Queen Anne style house is also known as Ivy Hall. It occupies an entire city block. You can find it at the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Built in 1883 for Edward C. Peters, the house reflects his family’s history. Gottfried L. Norrman, a Swedish architect, designed it. He incorporated unique details. Look closely at the tiles. They depict the Philadelphia Fish and Chowder Society. Edward’s great-grandfather, Richard Peters Jr., founded this society.
Edward’s father, also named Richard Peters, played a crucial role in Atlanta’s development. He helped transform Marthasville into the city we know today. Edward later inherited his father’s railroad and trolley interests in 1889.
The Edward C. Peters House has witnessed significant events. It remarkably survived the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917. Houses between North Avenue and Ponce de Leon Avenue were dynamited to create a firebreak. This saved the Edward C. Peters House from destruction.
After Peters’ daughter-in-law passed away in 1970, the house faced demolition. However, in 1973, it was saved and transformed into The Mansion restaurant. Bill Swearingen operated it.
The interiors of the Edward C. Peters House were largely preserved. A fire in 2000 caused the restaurant to close temporarily. In 2005, the Savannah College of Art and Design acquired the house.
They undertook a full restoration of Ivy Hall. It reopened on October 3, 2008. Today, a portion of the grounds has been developed with housing. The Edward C. Peters House stands as a testament to Atlanta’s past. It is also a vibrant part of its present.