History

The City of Avondale Estates was founded by George Francis Willis in 1924. The plans for his City were inspired by the trip he and his wife, Lottie, had taken to Stratford-upon-Avon. He aspired to recreate the majestic Tudor-Revival style architecture found at the birthplace of William Shakespeare in England. With the guidance of internationally known city planners, Willis proceeded to develop what would later be known as the only documented example of a “planned” city in the Southeast. Today it is named on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

George Willis (right) celebrates his city with a lakeside barbecue.

The Avondale Stables was owned by C.A. Kirkland and was located at was is now the Twin Oaks site.

 

The Freeman “Homeplace” was built in 1913 with an address of 37 Avondale Road. Later the family sold some of their land to Mr. Willis while retaining their home and an entire block of Clarendon.

By 1947 Avondale Estates counted its fire station among the services offered its residents.