Where Rich History Meets Modern Elegance for all of your special occasion & event needs
Many native Atlantans will remember getting dressed in their finest to visit the Davison-Paxson department store on the now historic corner of Peachtree and Ellis.
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Davison's origins began in 1891 when the Davison & Douglas company opened its doors in downtown Atlanta. Railroads were beginning to change the face of the South, business was booming and women everywhere suddenly needed a place to shop.
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From 1901 to 1927, the department store was changed its name to Davison-Paxon-Stokes. By then, R.H. Macy purchased the coveted department store and built the huge Peachtree Street store that still stands today.
Designed by Philip Shutze, Atlanta’s famous classical architect, 200 Peachtree Street officially opened in 1927 as the Davison’s department store before becoming known as the iconic Macy's.
The main entrance on Peachtree featured a very stately marble-floored cosmetics and jewelry area, which is now the Whitehall Ballroom of Southern Exchange.
Modeled after Macy’s flagship store on Herald Square in New York, the refurbished mezzanine overlooking the atrium level gazes out on the brilliantly polished crystal chandeliers.
As you venture through our website, you will notice we often reference the original, vintage interior elements that have been kept in pristine condition in order to pay homage to the great history of our building and the irreplaceable architectural design.
From department store to our iconic multi-use venue, Southern Exchange Ballrooms is the epitome of elegance from a bygone era that has been carefully and beautifully transformed for today - showcasing rich history and modern elegance mingling in perfect harmony.
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We are truly proud of the history supporting Southern Exchange Ballrooms and we look forward to hosting your next event in our uniquely exquisite atmosphere with unbeatable convenience.
