Hidden Georgia Tech: Heffernan House
By Victor Rogers June 8, 2015
Across the Georgia Tech campus, hidden spaces and forgotten places await rediscovery. Some are relics of an earlier time, difficult to find and explore. Others are very much in view, but often overlooked. Hidden Georgia Tech is a photo essay series highlighting places on campus that largely go unnoticed, but are hidden in plain sight.
THE P.M. HEFFERNAN HOUSE
Built in 1927 at 166 Fifth Street, the P.M. Heffernan House is nestled among the fraternity houses between Techwood and Fowler. Paul M. Heffernan, professor and head of the former School of Architecture from 1956-76, purchased the house in 1946 and lived there for many years during his 38-year career with Tech. Tour this unique house through the images below.
Hidden Georgia Tech - Heffernan House
Photos by Rob Felt
The P.M. Heffernan House — originally a typical, single-story brick bungalow — was part of the early residential development adjacent to the Tech campus.
Five plate glass windows cover the entire front of the house. The original outside brick is still inside, forming part of the main entry that features a large wooden sculpture.
Sculpture garden at entrance.
In 1961, Heffernan spent nearly a year excavating and turning the partial dirt basement into living space, and completely remodeling the main floor, incorporating the front porch into the living and dining areas.
Floor plans of the house are featured on one wall of the living room.
North elevation of Heffernan House.
Heffernan transformed the house into an international-style residence. The living room has a library of books on architecture, art, literature, and history.
Heffernan transformed the house into an international-style residence. The living room has a library of books on architecture, art, literature, and history.
Heffernan House library detail.
Heffernan House library detail.
On the first floor of the house, ceilings are 9’ 4” and doors are 9’ tall, including sliding doors. Throughout the house the woodwork is natural blond except in the three bathrooms and two kitchens. The dining and living rooms have blond birch walls from floor to ceiling.
Heffernan House master bedroom. All windows in the house have Venetian blinds or frosted glass for privacy, eliminating the need for draperies.
Heffernan House second bedroom.
The back yard has a brick patio and is landscaped with azaleas and shade trees. Today, the house serves as the location for special events for the College of Architecture and sometimes as a residence for the College’s visiting professors.
Heffernan, who died in 1987, was the chief designer for several buildings on campus, including the Price Gilbert Library and Information Center, the College of Architecture building, and Smith, Glenn, and Towers Residence Halls. According to his sister, Virginia, he “lived and breathed architecture.”
Heffernan House rear yard.
Heffernan House kitchen.
Heffernan House kitchen.
Heffernan House bathroom.
Do you know a hidden place on campus that should be featured?
Email us at editor@comm.gatech.edu
Writer: Victor
Rogers
Photographer: Rob Felt
Digital Designer: Melanie Goux
