The first garden club in America was organized in Athens in 1891. Built on the red clay and solid granite rock of the Georgia Piedmont, the Headquarters House inspired our enduring commitment to the motto of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Beautification, Conservation, and Education. 

Construction of the current Headquarters House began in January 1997 on the highest elevation of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The house was officially dedicated on October 6, 1998.

Designed by Smith Dalia Architects of Atlanta, the neoclassical structure is 9,705 square feet and overlooks the Heritage Garden and the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum of the State Botanical Garden. The house incorporates sustainable features such as low e glazing windows, passive natural ventilation, natural daylighting, and exterior building wrap to eliminate drafts.

The main level welcomes visitors with a grand entrance hall leading to a formal reception room, dining room, boardroom, administrative offices, and a library preserving our history with over 200 titles. Each space has exceptional architectural details including extensive custom millwork. Oriented to the east, the interior features a dramatic staircase along the northern interior wall. The spacious boardroom offers spectacular views of the surrounding hardwood treetops.

Fine period furniture, moved from the former Headquarters building on UGA’s main campus, along with many new acquisitions, fill the main level. Virginia White, ASID, of Atlanta, Georgia, collaborated closely with the architects to create the elegant interior. Historical and Decorative Arts students at the University of Georgia find the historical furnishings and appointments an opportunity for study.

The lower level features the multi-purpose Terrace Room, an elegant ballroom and meeting space known for its sophisticated decor and appointments custom created to reflect the Garden Club’s mission. It opens onto an expansive brick terrace overlooking a landscaped garden and pathway leading to the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum.

Robinson Fisher Associates of Athens, known for the landscape design of the nearby Day Chapel, crafted the landscape architecture. The formal front entrance includes a circular drive for passenger drop-offs, leading to a wide brick walkway and a gracious portico. An adjacent lawn, framed with brick edging is complemented by colorful perennial flowers and flowering shrubs like Fothergilla, Summersweet Clethra, and Loropetalum; and trees including 'Little Gem' Magnolia, 'October Glory' Red Maple, Persian Ironwood, and Fringetree. Just beyond the rear terrace is a lovely garden honoring Deen Day Sanders, former Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. President, and former National Garden Clubs, Inc. President.

The beauty and location of the Terrace Room distinguish it as one of the finest wedding reception sites in the area. The Terrace Room can seat up to 140 for dinner and larger numbers for lectures, receptions, and exhibitions. A large, well equipped catering kitchen adjoins the room.

In addition to providing an ideal venue for receptions and formal dinners, the Terrace Room is the perfect setting for business meetings, conferences, and corporate retreats. The room offers audio and video equipment, including an electronic projection screen and room-darkening capabilities for media presentations. An elevator and a staircase connect the main and lower floors of the building. The lower level is accessible for those with mobility issues and for catering access. When the weather allows, the adjoining outdoor terrace can accommodate an overflow of guests from the Terrace Room.

The Terrace Room is available for rental through the State Botanical Garden (SBG). For rental details, download the Terrace Room information, Floor Plan, and SBG Rental Policy, or contact the State Botanical Garden Rental Office at sbgrent@uga.edu or 706-542-6467. You may also contact the Garden Club of Georgia’s office at 706-227-5369 or by email at headquarters@gardenclubofgeorgia.org.