Photos Hardy Realty
Step into the story of 203 E 8th Street, where historic charm meets modern opportunity in Rome, Georgia. Built in 1901, this house isn’t just a structure—it’s a living piece of history that has housed cherished memories for over a century. For the past 24 years, it served as the home of Mel&Mimi, a beloved local business co-owned by Melanie Morris and Mimi Weed. Now, as Melanie and Mimi embark on a new chapter, they’re passing this treasure on to someone new.
“Melanie and I have been in business with Mel&Mimi for over 27 years now, in fact, this is our 28th holiday,” shared Mimi. “We purchased 203 E 8th Street in the winter of 1999 and moved in at the beginning of 2000. At this point in our lives and our business, we were ready to change it up, and we have a new business model. With that new business model, we made the bittersweet decision of putting the house on the market.”
A Home with History
Entering 203 E 8th Street is like stepping back in time, with details like the original hardwood floors and authentic cornice boards and carriage windows, the house is a testament to craftsmanship and charm. “The house itself is so charming. It has a great vibe about it. It could be for several types of people. A young couple who feels very urban would love this, with the paved backyard with some greenspace behind and in the front. It could also be a business. We obviously used it as a business for almost 28 years, but I think it was a home before we bought it. I feel like it could go several different ways,” said Melanie.
The property’s zoning allows for both, making it a flexible option for potential buyers. With its M-R zoning, the house could even function as an apartment building. The property boasts a full kitchen and half bath on the main level and two full baths upstairs. A separate staircase from the parking lot leads directly to the second story, giving it even more versatility.
“Growing up in Rome, I knew it to be a photography studio, a business on the bottom with living space on top, a dance studio, but in the beginning, it was built to be a residence,” said Mimi. “I think the ideal owner would be someone who finds the house as charming as Melanie and I did and just wanted to embrace living or working near downtown Rome.”
The Perfect Location
Location is another standout feature of this property. Situated near off of E 2nd Avenue, the house has quick access to Old East Rome and is within walking distance to downtown, the YMCA, local eateries, and entertainment. “It’s also just a charming street, area, and house. There are several other homes on the same street that were built around the same time period,” Melanie said.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
For Melanie and Mimi, the decision to sell the house has not been easy. “This house has been such a big part of our journey,” Melanie said. “It’s not just a building; it’s where so many of our ideas and dreams for Mel&Mimi came to life. We’ve poured so much love into it.”
“Whether it was a customer’s first time or even on the last day we were in there operating the business from that location, there were many people coming in that just wanted to see the house and be in it again. That’s how attached you get to the charm,” Mimi said. “We are selling this house with heavy hearts, but it is time to move on.”
Though it is the end of their tenure at 203 E 8th Street, it is not the end of their business. “We’ve been inspired to take Mel&Mimi in a new direction,” Melanie said. “The retail world has changed, and we’ve decided to embrace that change with what we’re calling Shopping Socials—events every four to six weeks where we bring our shop to different locations.” You can find out about their updated location on their socials.
“It’s all about keeping the creativity alive and finding fresh ways to connect with our community,” said Mimi. “This is a new chapter for us, and while saying goodbye to 203 E 8th Street is bittersweet, we’re thrilled for what’s ahead.”
Your Opportunity Awaits
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of history, 203 E 8th Street might just be your dream come true. Whether you envision it as a cozy residence, a vibrant business space, or a combination of both, this property offers endless possibilities.
To learn more about this unique opportunity, contact Lori Davidson of Hardy Realty at her cell: (706) 766-7463, office: (706) 291-4321, or email: lori.walker@hardyrealty.com.
