Payne-Corley House Renovates, Re-Brands

The Payne-Corley House, a special events facility in Duluth, just completed an interior renovation, updated its logo and unveiled a new website.  

The oldest remaining house in Duluth, the Payne-Corley House was built in 1873. In the recent renovation, carpet was replaced with rich, dark hardwood floors throughout the home.

The bar area now has a custom-built 12-foot bar faced with reclaimed wood from a 100-year-old local barn while the outdoor veranda features an inlaid bar.

Custom artwork was added. Other interior and exterior updates included outdoor lighting, refurbished chairs and enhanced centerpieces.  

To accompany the new interior, owners Michael and Krista Ganley decided to re-brand with a modern logo and website.  

The renovation, new logo and website were celebrated at an open house June 12.

“The house had a Victorian feel, and we wanted something more modern that would appeal to more of our clientele,” Krista Ganley said. “We also wanted to maintain its farmhouse feel,” she said.

The Payne-Corley House was transformed into a special events facility by Dream Keepers Inc., composed of longtime friends Annette Summerour, Jane Wilson, Margie Ross, Judy Burel, and Emma Deavours. The ladies initially rented then purchased the historic Payne-Corley House in 2001 from the family. They extensively renovated the home for the special events facility.

They opened a tea room in the Payne-Corley House in 1998 and operated it until they turned the venue into a full time special events facility a year or so later.

In 2004 the Ganleys were hired as the new management team and then purchased the property in 2008. Krista Ganley is Annette Summerour’s daughter, and her husband Michael is a former Ritz-Carlton chef. They also own and operate Park Café in Duluth.

The Payne-Corley House is a popular place for weddings. It has been recognized by The Knot Magazine as one of Atlanta’s top wedding venues and named the Best of Gwinnett Place To Have A Wedding.

The Ganleys and Dream Keepers Inc. jointly operate the Cottage Tea Room in The Magnolia Cottage, which was built about five years ago on the grounds of the Payne-Corley House. The Cottage Tea Room opened in April 2013 serving light lunch fare Tuesdays through Fridays.