Preserving History — Next Chapter Begins for Historic Jones Building

Now, 143 years after Jones first set up shop, developers Penn Hodge and Grant Schmeelk have breathed new life into the historic Jones Mercantile Building with their own vision. With that the next chapter of history for the iconic Canton landmark has begun.

The efforts of Hodge and Schmeelk have already been recognized statewide when the repurposed Jones Mercantile received a prestigious Excellence in Rehabilitation Award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in April during its 47th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Athens.

“The Jones Building is the most predominate centerpiece of the city and getting this project right was so important,” Hodge says. “And while we wanted it done right, the way it turned out, I had no idea it would turn out as well as it did. We had a great team in place.”

Among that team are Project Manager Dana Cox, Construction Manager Patrick Delaney, Architect of Record Bunker Design House owners Kandace and Rob Walker-Bunda, and partner Maggie McBride.

Preserving historic elements while balancing modern functionality with period aesthetics, the rehabilitation of this 45,000-square-foot space has positively impacted the community of Canton. “We had a city that selected us, and we are really grateful they gave us the opportunity,” Hodge says.

After Jones built the original Jones Building in 1879, he expanded it in 1914 and 1921. In the 1970s, the historic façade was covered with stucco and steel panels when Jones Mercantile was renovated as part of modernization efforts.

The Jones Mercantile building was sold to Cherokee County in the early 1980s and served as its administration building before the county moved to the Cherokee County Administrative Building at the Bluff's.

Eventually the city of Canton acquired the Jones Building from the county and restored the building’s historic façade during an initial renovation project. Hodge and Schmeelk purchased the building in late 2022 and using historic tax credits returned the downtown anchor to a functional retail and office space.

Just as when Jones came into the community those many years ago, the future is bright for the city of Canton and the new owners of the Jones Building.

The largest tenant in the newly renovated Jones Mercantile Building, Thrive Coworking Canton occupies 19,000 square feet on the top floor and at street level. The building’s Art Deco architecture and design sets an ideal backdrop for working in private office spaces, co-working in common areas, and hosting spectacular meetings and events.

Thrive Community Manager Lee Oliver explains, “I love being a part of this next chapter in Canton. Stewardship is important to me and having the opportunity to steward our part of this special building, returning it to its well-deserved glory as the centerpiece of downtown, is a privilege.”

Oliver says the Thrive space in the Jones Mercantile Building is already 55 percent leased and serves as the home to attorneys, creatives, financial advisors, engineers, and many other business owners.

“We have the Bible that Mr. Jones owned on display as well as the ledger for the mercantile store. Photos of the building through the years also decorate the walls,” Oliver explains.

Each conference room gives a particular nod to a different part of the history of the building. The Freight Room is located where trucks would unload into the building. The Founders Room is in the corner of the building overlooking Cannon Park, the Fairway Room has photos of the famous golfer Bobby Jones and his grandfather R.T. Jones on the walls, and the Factory Room has photos from the Canton Cotton Mills, which were also founded and owned by R.T. Jones.

In an interesting twist of fate, or perhaps destiny, Hodge and Schmeelk are the men who also purchased the old Canton Cotton Mill No. 1 and turned it into the lovely adaptive re-use development that is helping revitalize the city.

Kandace Walker-Bunda says Bunker Design House is fortunate to have the chance to work on the project. Bunker Design has also completed several other adaptive reuse projects for Hodge, including The Mill on Etowah, the Grant Building, and 210 East Main Street.

“We had been walking by this underutilized building for many years and, like so many others, wishing for it to be reintroduced to Canton as a viable and contributing member to our downtown. We’re so thankful that Penn Hodge and Grant Schmeelk, and not to mention the city of Canton, gave us the opportunity to design the space, and oversee its completion,” Kandace offers.

In addition Bunker Design House worked with local small business owners, Andy and Amber Palermo, to help develop and create the brand “Palermo’s Original Pasta & Sandwiches” that now occupies the corner space of the Jones Mercantile Building.

"Palermo's was the perfect fit for what we call the ‘crown jewel’ space of the building,” she explains, “Its vibe and overall approach to fresh, casual dining is just what the building needed to draw folks in and give them a little taste of the overall renovation."

Plans are already underway for a speakeasy in the lower level of the building which will also feature duck bowling and games.

The Jones Mercantile Building is now revitalized and serving a new purpose for today’s world. And that is what preservation is all about.

This article was featured in the Historic Canton magazine. Read more here.