New Andalusia entrance showcases beauty and improved visibility 

When the Georgia Department of Transportation called for Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council Grant proposals, Georgia College & State University President Cathy Cox and the Executive Cabinet jumped at the chance to upgrade the entrance to Andalusia, the historic home of world-famed author Flannery O’Connor (’45), to make it more visible and welcoming for passing motorists. 

Frank Baugh, assistant vice president of Facilities Management at Georgia College, met with GDOT to investigate the possibility of making this happen.

“We submitted our application in December 2023 and received notification from GDOT in May 2024 that our grant application was approved for $50,000,” he said.

The REBC Grant covers landscaping preparation, plant material and installation. However, Georgia College will maintain the entrance grounds.

Based on input from Cox and the Executive Cabinet, the concept of beautifying Andalusia’s new entrance evolved from planting new frontage landscaping to include a new monumental entrance sign, an expanded parking lot, wood-rail fencing and a gate. 

“We dressed back the south entrance profile to provide an unobstructed line of sight to the Interpretive Center [off of U.S. Route 441] and constructed an appealing monument sign to catch the eyes of passing motorists, draw in visitors and provide an aesthetically enhanced vantage that complements the austere, rustic profile of the Interpretive Center with seasonal color and low-maintenance landscaping,” Baugh said. “We also expanded vehicle and bus parking further complement the visitor experience.”  

Other Georgia College properties, bordering state routes, were considered for the grant by the Executive Cabinet, but the group decided on improvements to Andalusia based on the proposed concept and native plant selections curated by Georgia College Director of Landscaping and Grounds Susan Daniels. 

Throughout construction, Andalusia remained open to the public.

Drive by today to see the new, distinctive entrance to Andalusia, located on U.S. Route 441/North Columbia St. in Milledgeville.