Eatonton clears zoning path for new downtown hotel

PUTNAM COUNTY
  • Todd and Rebecca Gruenemeier received city approval for rezoning to renovate Eatonton’s old jail into a unique downtown hotel. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Todd and Rebecca Gruenemeier received city approval for rezoning to renovate Eatonton’s old jail into a unique downtown hotel. IAN TOCHER/Staff
  • Built in 1939 and in operation until 1987, Eatonton’s now-abandoned jail appears poised to become a boutique hotel, complete with a rooftop bar that will be open to the public. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Built in 1939 and in operation until 1987, Eatonton’s now-abandoned jail appears poised to become a boutique hotel, complete with a rooftop bar that will be open to the public. IAN TOCHER/Staff

    With a full quorum, Eatonton City Council held its final regularly scheduled meeting of 2024 on Monday night, when the first order of business was considering a request to change Eatonton’s old, abandoned jail from Public to Commercial 1 zoning.

    “This would be rezoning for a contingent sale to develop this structure on a half-acre at 101 North Washington Avenue into a 12-room boutique hotel,” Eaton…