A walking guided tour of Rome Underground is slated for this Friday, July 31, 2015. Mark Cochran of Cevian Design Lab is hosting two basement tours of Rome to benefit the Sexual Assault Center of NW Georgia.

In the late 19th century, Broad Street from the Cotton Block to Fifth Avenue was raised approximately 15 feet to alleviate flooding. The tour will offer a unique perspective into the history and architecture of several historical buildings that help shape the character of downtown Rome.

Guided tours will be offered at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and depart from the Downtown Welcome Center located at 301 W. 1st Street, behind the Rome Area History Museum.

The tour will be held rain or shine and features five different underground locations along Broad Street including the Forrest Hotel, Pullens Building, and Johnny’s Pizza.

Tour tickets are $18 and may be purchased at the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center located at 402 Civic Center Drive or on-site if tours are not sold out.

Participants should bring a flash light and wear comfortable, closed toe shoes (no opened toe sandals) for the walk. All tour proceeds benefit the Sexual Assault Center of NW Georgia and count as votes for Team Cochran in the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge. The public is encouraged to “Like” Underground Rome Georgia History Project to keep up with the latest news. Call (706) 295-5576 for ticket information.

Volunteers are needed to greet groups and lead them from site to site. Please email Mark Cockran if you are interested in volunteering at mark@ceviandesign.com