History springs anew from historic Georgia site

After two years of work and millions of dollars, one of Georgia’s legendary historic landmarks has been restored, the Warm Springs Pools of President Roosevelt. 

“We were able to duplicate the wood finish, much of its originality, taking measurements, looking at photos and examining former plans,” said Rob Stephenson, Managing Director of Powder Springs based Prime Contractors, “our work also included the pool structure and FDR museum.”

The pools were rededicated last week at a celebration of the 24-month refurbishment and the legacy of President Roosevelt in Warm Springs and Meriwether County.

“FDR came to the area in 1924, purchased the (1,700) acres of local land, discovering relief, the warm (88°F) waters aided his polio diagnosis,” offered Mr. Stephenson.

Credit: FDR Museum

The pools with their 914 gallons of water were the FDR inspiration to create the March of Dimes. The 34th president spent hours swimming, thinking about elevating the country from the depths of the Great Depression.

Credit: Prime Contractors

“Over time, the pools had deteriorated, unable to hold water, they were in very poor condition,” added Mr. Stephenson. “A fund-raising project began with state funding, The Callaway Foundation, support from the Little White House Advisory Board, and Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. We then began our work.”

Prime Contractors goal, building the pools as close as possible to the original schematics, a century ago. But creating a plan was vexing. How to create and preserve without destroying history. 

Credit: Prime Contractors

“The work was unique,” said Mr. Stephenson, “really revolutionary for our business. We never brought in trucks with concrete. We mixed on site of the pools, but first there was demolition and grading.”

The complexity of the project was significant because of the natural springs underneath, “the century old caverns were decaying with their (water) chambers, to make this work, the water naturally recycles itself and has to have a spillway.”

Credit: Prime Contractors

Prime Contractors stated the restoration of the water delivery system was a laborious project because they wanted to ensure the authentic atmosphere that President Roosevelt would recognize today.

“Every decision we made, was about historical preservation and ensuring generations to come will be able enjoy the pools,” Mr. Stephenson said. “We are very proud of our work today.”

Credit: FDR Museum

Central to so much Presidential lore, the century old pools hold their place in the rehabilitation of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The President told reporters the time in the Warm Springs pools led to some of his best decisions.

The good news about the restoration of the pools in 2025, there are other projects of refurbishment in Warm Springs.

The Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation is growing with medical services. The Eleanor Roosevelt School, serving African Americans during segregation, now being repurposed as a cultural site, and 126-year-old Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery is being updated, remaining relevant toward conservation.

Warm Springs and its mythical waters were first used by Native American warriors as a place to rest and heal after battle.

Credit: Prime Constraactors

Now hundreds of years later, the waters once again are the definition of Warm Springs and its glorious new pools, of American history.

During the ceremony, FDR's famous statement of teamwork was read aloud, "People acting together as a group can accomplish things no individual acting alone could ever hope to bring about."

Credit: Prime Contractors