In 1870, the East Alabama Female College burned to the ground and closed shortly after. The property was sold to John Hamilton Drakeford. The son of Thomas Drakeford, a Tuskegee merchant known as the “oldest and most successful merchant in Macon County.” Drakeford built this highly ornamental home on the site of the former college as a gift for his new bride. John Drakeford was the founder and president of the City Bank of Tuskegee.
Completed in 1892, the house has an eclectic late Victorian-era design with an asymmetrical façade, dominant front-facing gable, overhanging eaves, and polygonal tower. The eclectic style is typical of the late Victorian period. Certain elements of the home, for example, the main entry transom and sidelights suggest a much earlier Greek Revival style. Over the years, several additions were made to the home including a second-story screened-in porch and a solarium downstairs. The Drakeford House is one of eight historic homes that were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as a part of the North Main Street Historic District. These particular homes paved the way for future development.
In 2018, the out-of-state owner contacted a local college and wanted to know whether architecture students could develop a proposal for what to do with the aging home. While the owner never attended the college, his mother, brother, and nephew are all alumni. With faculty oversight, the students created plans to turn the home into a bed and breakfast or a wedding venue. After students submitted proposals to the owner, he awarded the top three students with a scholarship. He also told faculty that he had funding to renovate the house and use it as a lab for learning about historic preservation and restoration. In what was planned as a two-year project, students would observe and assist contractors as they renovate the house. Due to liability concerns, students cannot work as laborers, but they are responsible for the architectural drawings and conducting historic research.
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What bank? Is this on the market? Thank you, Karen
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It’s not on the market. It was owned by the president of a local bank in the early 20th century, that’s why it is named the Banker’s House.
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Since a local school sometimes tours for a preservation class, you might attach to them and monitor the class if they are willing. The government owns it now (for taxes probably), and you might arrange a solitary tour for research and publishing purposes. Hey, a paragraph in a blog is still publishing 😬
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That’s a good idea. Thanks!
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That’s sad because its just sitting there so you need to let someone buy it and restore the beauty. It’s a shame
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Thank you so much for theses posts. I look forward to receiving them.
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Thank you, Shannon! I really appreciate the support.
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Oh, what a great explore!
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What a structure! I like the architectural choices that were made, well maybe not the bath colors.
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Why were the renovations halted? This place is worth it!
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A lack of funds.
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May I visit the site? I would feel so honored just to see it. Thank you.
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Hello, I have a weird hobby of learning about the past through abandoned buildings. I particularly enjoy abandoned mental hospitals and asylums. I absolutely love your site, I’ve been binge reading lol. Would there be any chance you would explore Selma, Alabama? My family is from there and the city has been on a rapid decline and there’s tons of abandoned buildings and even an abandoned Air Force base.
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I’ve photographed the Mishkan Temple in downtown Selma but I haven’t had a chance to really explore much of the city. I plan to go back soon and see more. That Air Force base sounds really interesting.
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Many years ago I lived in Selma for about 10 years. That’s when Craig airforce base was a very active base training pilots for the air force. I thought that when Craig closed lots of industry moved in. Are they gone now?
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I spent the last 4 years renovating/refurbishing a 1924 craftsman in Birmingham Al. i’m putting it on the market Jan1 and am looking for another project. Do you come across homes that have ocean access that are for sale? i’m looking for something around Jacksonville Florida area.
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Elise, check out American Beach a little north of Jacksonville.
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