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“I remember Mr. Shutze as being unassuming," Ron Hadaway said. "So willing to help a young kid."
Credit: Courtesy of Ron Hadaway
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Developing an affinity and admiration for Philip Shutze - over tea, of course
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Live in Atlanta long enough and you will develop an affinity and admiration for all things Philip Shutze.
Georgia Tech’s Philip Trammell Shutze’s architectural brilliance has given rise to many of our city’s most famous structures: Swan House. East Lake Golf Club. The Temple. Emory University and The Villa, Ansley Park.
Forty-five years ago, a young Atlanta architect named Ron Hadaway was assigned the unenviable task of renovating a residence inside The Villa.
“In '79, 80, I was working in Buckhead off Pharr Road for Equity Realty as VP Design + Contruction," Hadaway recalls. "My boss was George Vickery. He lived at The Villa.”
Vickery wanted his residence renovated and entrusted his associate to do the job.
His first move? Find Shutze’s phone number. Ask for an audience.
The phone rings.
“Hello.”
Shutze had picked up. The Atlanta legend inquires, “Do you like tea?”
“Yes,” replied Hadaway.
Shutze suggested they share the beverage in front of his Atlanta masterpiece located at 200 Montgomery Ferry Drive, N. E. . It is on this celebrated property the men could talk architecture and the renovation project.
The meeting was set.
Shutze is known for his neo-classical architecture and as one of Atlanta’s 20th century giants. He started his career with a B.S. in Architecture from Georgia Tech (1908-12). He initially served as a draftsman for Neel Reid, as part of the architectural firm Hentz, Reid, and Adler.As a local architect, the Columbus, Georgia native became a partner in 1927 of Hentz, Adler & Shutze.
Shutze modeled the front of The Villa after the entry to the Cortile of the Chiesa di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere in Rome.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) named The Villa one of the city’s five best buildings built between 1916 and 1925
The idea for the structure came while touring Italy as a young man.
“I remember Mr. Shutze as being unassuming," continued Hadaway. "So willing to help a young kid. A very dapper figure. Not seeming old (almost 90 then). Well put together; as though he were attending a business meeting.”
Shutze arrived on foot. He famously rode Atlanta public transportation, never learning to drive a vehicle in Atlanta. Walking gave time to think, plan and design.
The Villa always dazzles.
It Is a U-shaped building with 25 units, ranging in size from studios to 2 bedroom, 2 baths. Astonishingly, residences on the main and top floors have 10-foot ceilings, while units on the ground level have 8-foot ceilings.
With cars motoring past on Montgomery Ferry Drive, Shutze sized up the young Buckhead architect, asking intently: “What are you going to do to my creation?”
For 30 or 40 minutes over tea, the two men talked architecture.
(Tea was a symbol of order in Shutze's life. He was also known for his important collection of tea sets, porcelain, silver, furniture, rugs, and paintings, which are on display in the Swan House of the Atlanta History Center.)
“He spoke of studying in Europe, and was so gracious," Hadaway said. "I was touched then, and have grown to appreciate his wisdom over the decades since.”
Shutze was adamant about symmetry and balance in design. He pointed out the importance of traditional design values.
“He made it clear, whatever you do, always respect the origin—essentially telling me not to mess with what he created,” Hadaway laughed.
Afternoon tea at The Villa had ended.
The plan was set.
“The renovation was actually pretty minor - but the real reward of the project was Mr. Shutze. I truly wish I had stayed in touch with him; but that is looking backward!”
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Hadaway has had a marvelous career of design in Atlanta. He has been a leader in local architecture.
His favorite Atlanta Shutze creation?
“The Villa. It could be 200 years old. The symmetry is classic. Amazing. He was the real deal.”
The view from most of The Villa windows is of the 107-year-old Ansley Club, City Course. The courtyard is hidden and framed by old pine and hardwood. Most striking are the angles of the building. At night, the Midtown skyline lights up the neighborhood.
In a modern Atlanta, there is nothing to compare.
Shutze died in October of 1982; he was 92 years old.
Hadaway doesn’t know if he ever saw the finished work inside The Villa.
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