Since its establishment in 1879, the Jones Mercantile Building has witnessed over a century of transformation. The Canton, Georgia Cornerstone has served as a hub for goods, services, and community interaction. Initially a bustling mercantile establishment that catered to the everyday needs of Cherokee County residents, it offered everything from buggies to swimwear. In its recent transformation into a modern multi-use facility, great care was taken to preserve its charm while adapting to the community's changing needs. Its renaissance skillfully blended tradition with innovation, contributing to Downtown Canton's economic and cultural revitalization.
From the start, the Jones Mercantile Building was the heart of commerce in Canton. Farmers bought tools; families shopped for clothing; the building was a daily stop for the community. As Canton’s needs changed, it endured as a commercial center. By the 1960s, it had diversified, continuing to serve residents.
As the first step in preserving this iconic site, Canton restored its historic façade. Seeing the potential to blend the building’s rich history with a new future, the purchase by P. Hodge and G. Schmeelk marked a pivotal moment. They embarked on a revitalization project, maintaining its essence while meeting the demands of the 21st century. A striking aspect of the building’s transformation is the attention paid to its architectural details. The original façade, with intricate brickwork and arched windows, was restored, preserving the iconic appearance seen in so many old photographs of downtown Canton. Inside, the developers drew inspiration from the elegance of the Great Gatsby era, successfully creating a space where history and modernity coexist.
The building’s design balances past and present. The over 45,000 square feet of space has been redesigned to accommodate modern needs while maintaining period aesthetics. This blend has attracted businesses eager to set up shop in a space that celebrates the past while embracing the future.
It’s not just a business space; the Jones Mercantile Building is now a vibrant hub for community engagement and collaboration. The versatile design now accommodates co-working areas, meeting rooms, and event venues. It provides businesses and individuals with options for workshops, networking events, and social gatherings. The adaptability of the space has made it a popular choice for businesses seeking a dynamic, inspirational, growing environment.
The revitalized Jones Mercantile Building has already had a profound impact on Downtown Canton’s economic development. The repurposed building’s multi-use space drives more foot traffic to local shops and restaurants, encouraging further investment in the area and creating a thriving community for residents and visitors. The building's renovation also underscored the project’s commitment to sustainability. Using historic tax credits to fund the preservation of the original structure, the project minimized environmental impact while maximizing potential. This has set a precedent for other historic properties, demonstrating that preserving the past can be key to planning for the future.
A revitalized space is incomplete without great food; the Jones Mercantile Building doesn’t disappoint. One of its highlights is P.O.P.S., a local restaurant bringing Canton's best Italian cuisine. P.O.P.S. serves breakfast through dinner, drawing residents and visitors alike.
B&B Social complements the mix of businesses within the building, bringing a social dimension that enhances the community feel and is increasing a late night vibe to E. Main Street. Whether grabbing a quick bite, meeting clients, or enjoying a leisurely dinner, the restaurants are integral to the building’s new identity.
The modern, multi-use space, the building remains a pulse of Canton’s community, just as it did when it opened nearly 150 years ago. Its transformation under Hodge and Schmeelk is a testament to the value of preserving history while embracing change. The repurposed space honors Canton’s past while serving Canton’s present by providing new opportunities. This blend of history and modernity sets the Jones Mercantile Building apart, making it a model for revitalizing historic properties. As Canton continues to grow, the Jones Mercantile Building will play a key role, providing a space where businesses and people come together, and history and innovation meet.
The transformation of the Jones Mercantile Building symbolizes what is possible when planning the future includes respecting history. Serving the local community in new ways, while staying rooted in its past, it offers a space to work, dine, collaborate, and connect, and reflecting Canton’s spirit.
Serving Canton from 1879. The Jones Building shows how progress and preservation can reside together.
This blend has attracted businesses eager to set up shop in a space that embodies character and charm, creating a community where the past is celebrated and the future is embraced.