The prominent 19th century Victorian building is located in the heart of historic downtown Macon. Built in 1884 for Macon’s first military unit, the Macon Volunteers, the 3-story building now houses professional office space, retail space, and an auditorium (ballroom) with stage, balcony, and vaulted ceiling spanned by Howe trusses. The building exterior was completely restored. The interior renovation included the installation of an elevator, and all building systems were modernized within the fabric of the historic structure.
The Cowles–Woodruff House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cowles House and also known as the Woodruff House or the Cowles–Bond House, is owned by Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and is located at 988 Bond Street. It is an antebellum home the overlooks downtown Macon. It was used by General James H. Wilson as his residence and headquarters during the occupation of Macon by the US Army in 1864. From 1960 to 1978 it was the campus of Stratford Academy. The mansion is named for its first two owners. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 21, 1971.It was built in 1836 and is an example of Greek revival architecture. It is used by the University for special events.
