An Athens landmark steeped in history was destroyed by fire early this morning, as the Georgia Theatre went up in flames. Dozens of firefighters with engines and ladder trucks responded to the scene in downtown Athens around 7am--by the time they had control of the blaze an hour later, the building was gutted. Officials do not yet have a cause for the fire.
The Theatre dates back to the late 1800’s. Through its history it was used as a cinema, and since the 1970’s, it’s been a major player in the Athens music scene.
Sandy Turner with Athens-Clarke County government told WGAU Radio in Athens she’s still trying to absorb the loss:
The Theatre dates back to the late 1800’s. Through its history it was used as a cinema, and since the 1970’s, it’s been a major player in the Athens music scene.
Sandy Turner with Athens-Clarke County government told WGAU Radio in Athens she’s still trying to absorb the loss:
"That’s one of these places that you just take for granted...(the loss)will be great."The Georgia Theatre was scheduled to host 11 musical acts during next weekend’s Ath-Fest. Organizers are working to reschedule them to different locations.
