Bishop House – UGA 32 (1837, Category 1). Bishop House was a town residence constructed in 1837 along Jackson Street. The house was purchased by the University in 1942. The Department of Classics used the building for many years. Later, it was adapted for use by the Department of Art due to its proximity to the Visual Arts Building. It has been used as a residence hall for students and faculty members. Today it provides offices for the College of Environmental Design. The Bishop House was individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
One of the earliest remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Athens, the house was originally part of a farm that included a carriage house and stables, barns, a smokehouse, and fields for growing corn and vegetables. It is believed to be one of the first in Athens with running water, and it was long noted for beautiful landscaping that included boxwood plantings, flowering shrubs, and giant shade trees. The house has been remodeled several times.
The building is a small, one-story brick structure with a central porch and entrance, one window to each side, and a gable roof. The stuccoed lower level of the building is exposed at the rear due to the slope. The porch is Classical Revival in style with Doric columns. The building has a high degree of historic integrity and is assessed as a Category 1 resource.
