Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Water Damage Restoration in Athens, GA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from College of Athens in Athens to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Athens, GA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Athens. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for hlsmith0814
Mold Remediation for Edd Bowen
Sewer Backup for Tonya Luvisch
Soot Removal for Taryn Connell
Water Damage for Meagan
Fire Damage for Kala Doyle
Mold Remediation for Rob Isaac
Sewer Backup for Jordann Jennings
Soot Removal for Amy
Water Damage for Matt Burrus
Fire Damage for Jenee Hobson
Mold Remediation for William Beers
Sewer Backup for Jeff Stephenson
Soot Removal for Christine Ashkar
Water Damage for Qamar Enayah
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Acropolis of Athens in Athens, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Athens.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Ed Davenport
TruRenu
Disaster Response Introducing TruRenu: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**
At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( TruRenu ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( TruRenu ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.
From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( TruRenu ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( TruRenu ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.
When you choose Disaster 911 and ( TruRenu ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.
5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Call Us
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Athens, GA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Manor Lake Assisted Living, Memory Care Independent Living Athens in Athens for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Athens, GA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Athens?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Sandy Creek Park in Athens. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Athens, GA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Parthenon in Athens, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Athens restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Athens, GA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Athens, GA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Athens, GA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The National in Athens. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Athens rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Athens, GA
Athens Free Clinic surpasses $1 million of free health care
Lindsey Derrickhttps://news.uga.edu/athens-free-clinic-surpasses-1-million-of-free-health-care/
Longstanding partnerships with community organizations have provided free health care since 2018Fulfilling its commitment to the underinsured and uninsured of Athens-Clarke County and surrounding areas, the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s Athens Free Clinic surpassed the milestone of delivering more than $1 million of health care since its opening in 2018. The Athens Free Clinic connects Medical Partnership students and faculty with sites across the community to provide primary car...
Longstanding partnerships with community organizations have provided free health care since 2018
Fulfilling its commitment to the underinsured and uninsured of Athens-Clarke County and surrounding areas, the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s Athens Free Clinic surpassed the milestone of delivering more than $1 million of health care since its opening in 2018. The Athens Free Clinic connects Medical Partnership students and faculty with sites across the community to provide primary care.
“We could not have reached this mark without our team of faculty physicians, staff nurses, medical students, undergraduate volunteers, community partners and the support of leadership at the medical school,” said Dr. Suzanne Lester, medical director of the Athens Free Clinic. “We have helped community members receive high-quality primary care without incurring medical debt, and we have improved access to treatment for acute and chronic medical conditions.”
Several staff and faculty members play critical roles in setting health care providers’ schedules, coordinating with community partners and providing medical care. Jeni Fitzpatrick serves as the registered nurse and teaching operations manager, Dr. Kate Meixner is an assistant professor of family and community medicine and Jen Brown is a registered nurse and teaching clinic coordinator.
Medical Partnership faculty and students provide primary health care at local community partner sites including the Acceptance Recovery Center, Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, Bigger Vision Community Shelter, Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, Clarke Middle Health Center, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Foothills Charter High School, Nuci’s Space, Pinewoods Community, Potter’s House and Project Safe.
“Beyond providing more accessible health care in our community, I hope that our services have contributed to our communities feeling more empowered in their health care and more trusting of doctors,” Lester said.
Since 2018, more than 330 medical students and 19 faculty members have conducted more than 4,400 patient visits through the Athens Free Clinic.
“It really feels amazing to witness the profound impact our team is making on the Athens community,” said Fitzpatrick, who coordinates the volunteers for the clinic. “The fact that we can teach our medical students while simultaneously providing free medical care to the community is incredibly rewarding.”
In February 2021, the Athens Free Clinic began administering COVID-19 vaccines. Faculty and students administered vaccines at the Department of Public Health, Athens Community Council on Aging, Potter’s House, Columbia Brookside, Bethel Village and other community sites. The clinic also partnered with the Clarke County School District to administer vaccines to faculty, staff, students and families. Overall, the clinic had administered almost 4,000 vaccines.
“Since the Medical Partnership opened its doors in 2010, one of our missions has been to serve our surrounding communities,” said Dr. Shelley Nuss, campus dean. “I am so proud of the care provided by the Athens Free Clinic and the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff. It’s wonderful to see the impact that the Athens Free Clinic has had in making high-quality health care accessible to those in need.”
The Athens Free Clinic’s next milestone will be a ribbon cutting this spring for the opening of the permanent location of the Clarke Middle Health Center.
Art Work: Workshops for Artists & Creative Professionals
accgov.comhttps://www.accgov.com/10854/Art-Work-Workshops-for-Artists-Creative-
ArtWork is a FREE workshop series presented in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center and Invest Athens (Athens-Clarke County Economic Development) designed for Athens-based artists and creative professionals.The workshop series evolved from the Lyndon House Arts Center’s Professional Practice Summit for the Arts and a past workshop in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center, Invest Athens, Create Athens and Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute held in June 2023.Upcoming Art Work Wor...
ArtWork is a FREE workshop series presented in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center and Invest Athens (Athens-Clarke County Economic Development) designed for Athens-based artists and creative professionals.
The workshop series evolved from the Lyndon House Arts Center’s Professional Practice Summit for the Arts and a past workshop in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center, Invest Athens, Create Athens and Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute held in June 2023.
Upcoming Art Work Workshops
Collector's Panel with Didi Dunphy
5:30pm - 6:00pm Social
6:00pm - 7:00pm Panel discussion
Artist, curator, and collector Didi Dunphy will lead a conversation with local art collectors Kevin Bates, Allen Eaves, Teresa and Charlie Friedlander, and Betsy and Blair Dorminey. The panelists will share insights into their personal collections, discuss their selection process, share where they search for original works of art and their experiences with studio and gallery visits as well as experiences with purchasing original art.
The Lyndon House Arts Center will host this workshop as part of the 50th anniversary of the Juried Exhibition. Attendees are encouraged to network from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, with the program-taking place from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Art Work professional development series offers free workshops in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center, Didi Dunphy Studios, and Invest Athens (Athens-Clarke County Economic Development) for Athens-based artists and creative professionals.
Didi Dunphy is an Athens, GA-based artist and curator with an MFA in Video and Performance Art from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her work has been showcased at major venues like the Atlanta Contemporary and Telfair Museum, with features in Southern Living, Athens Magazine, and design publications such as Elle Décor and Vogue Living. Dunphy is a former professor at Lamar Dodd School of Art and is currently an independent curator for projects like Highlighting Contemporary Art in Georgia. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Hambidge Center and a recipient of the Georgia Governors Award for Arts & Humanities in 2022. Dunphy is represented by Whitespace Gallery in Atlanta.
Previous 2024 Art Work Workshops
Advanced Estate Planning for Creatives & Collectors with Trace Brooks
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Led by attorney Trace Brooks, this workshop covers valuations and gifts, will & trust documents and tax strategies for artists and collectors.
Estate Planning for Artists and Collectors with Trace Brooks
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Led by attorney Trace Brooks, this presentation covers estate planning fundamentals, unique considerations in planning for artists and collectors, and mechanisms for ensuring the seamless transfer of valuable artworks to heirs and institutions - including tax considerations for some of the most common transfer types. Attendees will leave the presentation with a greater appreciation for comprehensive estate planning and a better understanding of how to plan for their unique assets.
Trace Brooks is the Managing Attorney of Trace Brooks Law LLC, an Atlanta law firm dedicated to exceptional client service. Trace concentrates his practice on estate and tax planning, probate, and elder law, and is a frequent speaker on estate and tax planning at local, regional, and national levels. Among other organizations, Trace frequently volunteers with Georgia Lawyers for the Arts in Atlanta and the Center for Art Law in New York.
Public Art & Art Grant Resources with Tatiana Veneruso
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Topics will include, how to apply for public art commissions and manage projects as well as resources for independent projects and professional development.
Tatiana Veneruso is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, curator and collector living in Athens, GA. She currently works for Athens-Clarke County as Public Art Coordinator. Veneruso believes art is for everyone and works to create more accessibility to art through community focused projects.
Photo Credit - Jennie Cain
Trademark and Copyright Law with Meredith Ragains, Esq.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Since 2013 Meredith Ragains has served as the Executive Director of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts overseeing legal services, education programs and community relations for the statewide organization. A graduate of Emory University and Mercer Law School Meredith was a litigator for 12 years in the Commercial Litigation practice group at the firm Robins Kaplan. She received the State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project Award for outstanding work with pro bon clients in 2009. In addition to her work at GLA, Meredith is an adjunct professor at Emory Law School and regularly lectures at the Georgia State University College of Law on intellectual property-related topics.
Small Business Tax & Accounting with Kelli Thompson
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Kelli holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Georgia. With her creative and analytical mindset, she enjoys guiding clients through the steps of business ownership and creating a specific plan to help make a business successful. Kelli has a diverse clientele, ranging from designers, attorneys, social media influencers, and IT experts. She strives to implement a tax plan that fits each unique client with a specialty in taxation of individual, business and non-profit accounting.
Kelli is QuickBooks Pro Certified and is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Turner & Patat, PC
1165 Cedar Shoals Drive Athens, GA 30605 kelli@turnerandpatat.com
Phone: (706) 354-1212
R.E.M.'s hometown of Athens, Ga., still welcomes fans 45 years after the band started there
Melanie Peepleshttps://www.gpb.org/news/2025/04/03/rems-hometown-of-athens-ga-still-welcomes-fans-45-years-after-the-band-started
R.E.M. is turning 45 years old this Saturday, which is a perfect time to take a trip to its hometown.Let's just say, you can get there from here. All it takes is the right frame of mind.You don't take a trip to Athens. You make a pilgrimage.Now, get in your car and point it towards Athens, Georgia. You're ready for some drivin...
R.E.M. is turning 45 years old this Saturday, which is a perfect time to take a trip to its hometown.
Let's just say, you can get there from here. All it takes is the right frame of mind.
You don't take a trip to Athens. You make a pilgrimage.
Now, get in your car and point it towards Athens, Georgia. You're ready for some driving music like "Driver 8." The world outside blurs past you. The walls are built up, stone by stone. Fields dividing one by one. Take a break when you need to.
Before you know it, you have reached your destination. It's a plain, little parking lot, with a free-standing church steeple.
"We are standing here at the site of Saint Mary's Episcopal church," says Paul Butchart, who gives tours to people from all over the world, who come here for one reason. " It was here in 1980, that R.E.M. played their first show." It was a birthday party of a friend of his.
The church building is long gone, torn down to make way for condos, but the brick and stone steeple remains, a monument to where it all started.
But if you really want to go back to the beginning, to "begin the begin" you're gonna go to Wuxtry Records in downtown Athens. Not the main store, but the boxcar sized building on the side.
This is the exact space where Wuxtry employee Peter Buck met a customer named Michael Stipe, who kept coming back to buy cool records. They struck up a friendship and, in true Athens fashion, formed a band. And in 1987 had their first big hit with "The one I love."
Nick Bonell works here today and, of course, plays in his own band, The Asymptomatics. He says even though it's been 14 years since R.E.M. disbanded, the fans keep turning up.
"All kinds of people come to this store asking questions about the history."
Less than a mile is away is the famous Weaver D's restaurant. There is only one room, and as you walk in, Dexter Weaver calls out to you, "What can I get you, Doll, Baby?"
Squash casserole is on the menu along with a host of other Southern specialties.
Outside the little green brick building hangs the sign with the restaurant's slogan: Automatic For The People. R.E.M. liked it so much, they named an album after it.
Weaver, a tall, jolly man of 70 tells the story as, "we were nominated for album of the year," like he was on the album. "I was! They got the title from me," he laughs. "So, it's we."
R.E.M. even took Weaver up to New York for the Grammys. When he came back home, sacks of fan mail started rolling in. Those who couldn't travel here to eat, ordered T-shirts.
Half a mile down the way from Weaver's restaurant maybe the most iconic REM landmark of them all: The Murmur Trestle, an old wooden railroad bridge immortalized in a black and white, pure Southern Gothic photo on the back cover of their 1983 album.
Today's bridge is a reconstruction, but it looks a lot like the old one. It spans a little creek, in a lush, green ravine. Bring your album cover and take a photo with it. The words ring in your ears. "This is where we walked. This is where we swam. Take a picture here. Take a souvenir."
Happy birthday, R.E.M.
Tags: R.E.M.
Disclaimer:
