Parker's Moves to New Historic Home

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Parker Cos. is making an historic move as it prepares for future growth — both on the corporate level and the store level.

Staying true to its roots, Parker's is calling the historic Philbrick-Eastman House overlooking Chippewa Square in Downtown Savannah its new home, according to BusinessInSavannah.com. 

"We knew we needed more space, but I wanted to find the perfect building to call home," said President and CEO Greg Parker.

Parker's new headquarters was built on one of Savannah's original trust lots by Irish-born architect Charles B. Cluskey. It features Doric columns, 14-foot ceilings, elaborate crown moldings and the original oak floors, according to the news site.

"We've paid attention to every detail to ensure the restoration of this treasured Savannah building respects its structural history while enabling us to expand our operations right here in the heart of America's most beautiful city," Parker said.

Ralph Kuhn of Kuhn Construction Co. is serving as the general contractor for the renovation of the 15,000-square-foot Greek revival mansion into spacious corporate headquarters. Parker's staff began moving in three weeks ago.

The move comes as Parker's outgrows its current 6,000-square-foot headquarters above Parker's Market on Drayton Street. Parker opened his first convenience store in 1976 and has grown the business into a $500-million business.

According to the report, the showpiece of Parker's new headquarters is the corporate boardroom that features wildlife murals painted in muted colors by Savannah artist Bob Christian, modern lighting fixtures and an original marble fireplace set off by elaborate woodwork. Every level of the four-story mansion has its own conference room, with long windows that allow for ample natural light.

In addition, Parker has organized the company's headquarters into executive offices and team-oriented pods that encourage communication among both teams and corporate divisions.

"The top floor is for expansion," he said, adding there is room for the current corporate staff of 26 to grow to 38. On the store front, Parker's plans to add 11 new c-stores this year.
"We are a $500-million company today," he told the news site. "In five years, we want to be a $1-billion company."

To that end, Parker is expanding his company's reach. The retailer is building convenience stores in Bluffton, S.C., Port Royal, S.C., Vidalia, Ga., Statesboro, Ga., Metter, Ga., and Claxton, Ga.

"Basically, we're building concentric circles around where our brand value has the greatest efficacy," he said. "For example, we're not jumping to Charleston. We're growing to Charleston."