Holmes-Hunter Academic Building – UGA 120 (1831, 1860, 1905; Category 2). The Holmes Hunter Academic Building is actually the assemblage of two antebellum buildings: a two-story classroom and library building constructed in 1831, initially known as the Ivy Building for the vines that covered its facade; and a library building constructed on the site of an early Presbyterian church circa 1860.
The two buildings were joined in 1905 based on a plan prepared by Professor Charles N. Strahan, who taught civil engineering and mathematics. Strahan directed alteration of the Ivy Building so that its front was identical to the library building. A floor was added to the library building and the two structures were connected with a massive Corinthian portico with open balconies and stairs in front of a bay of rooms. A three-story addition was constructed across the rear. The work was completed in 1906. Holmes Hunter has housed many functions over the years, but is now principally used for administrative offices.
Holmes Hunter has a gray painted stucco exterior with elaborate Beaux-Arts detailing, much of it also stuccoed or painted white. The building retains its wood balconies, stairs, and ceilings within the portico. It also appears to retain its original wood double-hung windows, which are fitted with exterior wood storm windows. The building has good integrity to the 1905 period of development. It is listed as a contributing building of the Old North Campus Historic District, and is assessed as a Category 2 resource.
