THE NEWNAN CENTER

Newnan, Georgia

This Rabun commission is a compact, stand-alone conference center owned by the City of Newnan and operated by the Newnan Convention Center Authority.  It is strategically sited adjacent to the pre-existing county school system's Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts.  It is designed to be a general-purpose facility for use by the city, local businesses, and the community.  The building has a 6,000 s.f. subdividable ballroom served by a catering kitchen and a corner-situated boardroom.   The ballroom features a glazed end wall and access to an outdoor terrace which takes advantage of the center's peaceful wooded suburban location.  

The Rabun design knits the convention center and the arts building into a cohesive plan, linking both buildings to a shared pavilion with a covered arcade.  Both the ballroom terrace and the pavilion, which itself is a featured rental venue, overlook a natural amphitheater and spaces for outdoor tented events.  The Rabun design offers tremendous variety and potential in a limited area and program.