Dryden Enterprises & Dryden Properties have donated their previous office location on West Commerce Street in downtown Hinesville to the Liberty County Board of Commissioners for use at their discretion. 

“Mr. Dryden is to be commended for such a generous donation to the county. We will ensure this building, one of his many preservation projects downtown, is dedicated and maintained in the memory of Hinesville’s founder Charlton Hines,” Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette said.

The office building is of historic significance to the community of Hinesville. It was originally erected in 1837 and was the residence of Charlton Hines, a Georgia senator and namesake of the city of Hinesville. Hines purchased the lot for $61. The home originally sat on Market Street, now Main Street, just across from the Historic Courthouse. After Hines’ death, the home would later be used as a hotel and then moved to its current location 1941 when it was converted into apartments. In 1994 Dryden Enterprises & Dryden Properties purchased the building with the intention to convert the space into an office building.

“At the time of purchase, I was not aware of the building’s historic significance. As we renovated the building, we discovered what appeared to be hand hewn boards, which led us to investigate. It was at that time, that we learned the history of the Hines house. From that point forward we made sure to preserve as much of the home’s historic features as possible,” said Claude Dryden, owner and founder of Dryden Enterprises & Dryden Properties.

Dryden Enterprises & Dryden Properties conducted business in the building for 23 years.  Upon outgrowing the historic location and constructing a new office, Dryden was left to decide the fate of the businesses’ previous location. 

Today, Dryden Enterprises & Dryden Properties operate at 310 S. Main Street in downtown Hinesville. Visit www.dryden-homes.com or call 912-369-7634 or 912-368-6105 for more information on new construction homes or apartments.