It is more than a historic building - it is an enduring icon.

The Old Medical College of Georgia Building at 598 Telfair St. is embodied in the official seal of MCG, and the building itself continues to hold receptions and meetings.

It was designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, who also designed the Governor's Mansion, then in Milledgeville, and several homes in Savannah, said Dr. Russell Moores, a medical historian and professor of hematology/oncology at MCG.

Construction began in 1834, but Cluskey, who was also the builder, ran into problems. It opened for classes in 1835 with one lecture hall. Construction continued for another year, Dr. Moores said.

Still, "it is one of the finest examples of a Doric-style Greek Revival building in the South," he said.

At one point, it was attached to the old City Hospital building behind it, and the connecting brick area was used as a lecture hall for large classes such as anatomy, Dr. Moores said.

When City Hospital closed and was torn down, that area was bricked shut, and different types of bricks can be seen in the wall, he said.

Although the school never technically closed during the Civil War, no classes were held, Dr. Moores said.

"Everybody was off fighting," the historian said.

Classes resumed after the war and were held at the building until 1912. The school was then moved to a former orphanage on what is now R.A. Dent Boulevard after the children were packed off to Gracewood State School and Hospital.

Part of MCG will always remain behind, however. The grave of Milton Antony, one of the founders of MCG, is still there, surrounded by a small metal fence. He died during the yellow fever epidemic of 1839 and was buried in front of his school "out of respect," Dr. Moores said.