The historic Donnelly House, a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture, was built in 1905 to serve as the residence of James W. Donnelly. Mr. Donnelly was a highly respected industrialist, manufacturer, real-estate developer, philanthropist, and civic leader. After retiring from the Proctor & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, he moved south to Birmingham where this magnificent Georgian-colonial mansion had been constructed, featuring over 12,000 square feet of living space and spectacular white marble floors.
One of Mr. Donnelly's primary interests was support for the Birmingham Public Library, which became one of the finest systems in the southeast.
While the Donnelly House has served primarily as a private residence, it was also the home of the Birmingham Civic Ballet during the 1950s. Ultimately, the home was purchased and opened as a venue for weddings, business meetings and other activities. Management of the home and gardens was assumed by Culinard Special Events, a division of Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, in October 2007.
The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as a part of the Highland Avenue Historic District.
The magnificent Georgian Colonial mansion has nearly 12,000 square feet of living space. With Donnelly as the host, the home was the social gathering ground for prominent business leaders and patrons of the arts during Birmingham's rapid growth... the time that earned Birmingham its nickname: "The Magic City."
A 200-year-old beaded Austrian crystal chandelier imported from France greets those who enter the 15-foot-wide foyer. The original brass chandelier still hangs in the high-ceilinged music room. Elegant leaded-glass windows are also original to the house as are the brass fixtures in the halls and bedrooms, the gaslight fixtures, and the oak wainscoting and doorjambs.
The house's second-story rear porch offers guests a full view of the two-acre gardens and the lighted ornamental pool and fountains.
The historic Donnelly House and Gardens are the perfect venue for weddings, business meetings, or other gatherings, with full facilities for ceremonies and receptions all at one location…not to mention the wonderful culinary creations of Culinard Special Events.