Malcolm Rivera
The Atlanta Constitution Building, also known as the Georgia Power Atlanta Division Building, is located at 143 Alabama Street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The building was constructed in 1947 as the headquarters of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper and is a rare example of Art Moderne design in the city. The building has been vacant since 1972 but there are now plans to renovate and redevelop it, with nearly 200 residences and retail space planned for the site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Construction | 1947 |
| Location | Northwest corner of Alabama and Forsyth Streets in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, at 143 Alabama Street, SW |
| Architect | Tucker and Howell, Robert and Company |
| Cost of Construction | $3 million |
| Style | Art Moderne, Moderne |
| Floors | 4 or 5 |
| Area | 95,000 square feet |
| Occupants | Atlanta Constitution newspaper, Georgia Power, Gorman & Company |
| Current Status | Under renovation |
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What You'll Learn
The Atlanta Constitution Building was constructed in 1947
The Atlanta Constitution Building, also known as the Georgia Power Atlanta Division Building, is located at 143 Alabama Street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The building was constructed in 1947 as the headquarters of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, one of the most eminent newspapers in the city at the time.
The five-story building, designed by Robert and Company, cost $3 million to construct. It is a rare example of Art Moderne design in the city, with a brick, marble, and limestone exterior, a flat terraced roof, curved corners, and horizontal windows. The building is located in an area known as the "Heart of Atlanta" due to its proximity to the historic railroad junction and the city's earliest settlement.
The Atlanta Constitution newspaper occupied the building during the tenure of editor Ralph McGill until its consolidation with the Atlanta Journal in 1955. The building then became home to the Georgia Power Company until 1972. Despite standing vacant for decades, the building has withstood previous proposals for demolition. In 2017, it was sold to a developer with plans for renovation and reuse.
Today, the building is set to undergo a transformation into a mixed-use development called Folio House. The project aims to stabilize and restore the building while adding affordable housing and commercial space. This redevelopment is part of a broader vision to revitalize downtown Atlanta and preserve the historic fabric of the neighbourhood.
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It is an example of Art Moderne architecture
The Atlanta Constitution Building, constructed in 1947, is an example of Art Moderne architecture. This style, also known as Streamline Moderne, emerged from the geometric expression of Art Deco, coupled with the austerity of the Great Depression and World War II. Art Moderne embraced modern society and rejected classicism, employing curvaceous forms and strong horizontals.
The building's exterior is composed of Flemish bond brick, marble, and limestone. It features a flat terraced roof deck, curved corners, a "prow-like" end, and windows on all floors, emphasising horizontal significance. The rounded corner of the building, along with horizontal brick banding, made it a modern marvel when it was completed.
The Atlanta Constitution Building is a rare example of this style in Georgia, and its architecture is considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed by Tucker and Howell and built by Atlanta firm Robert and Company. It is located at the northwest corner of Alabama and Forsyth Streets in downtown Atlanta, an area known as the Heart of Atlanta due to its proximity to the historic railroad junction.
The building originally housed the offices of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, serving as its headquarters from 1947 until the newspaper consolidated with the Atlanta Journal in 1950 and moved out in 1953. The building was structured to accommodate large state-of-the-art printing presses, with large windows providing views of the presses at work in the basement for passersby on the street.
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The building was home to the Atlanta Constitution newspaper
The Atlanta Constitution Building, constructed in 1947, was home to the Atlanta Constitution newspaper during editor Ralph McGill's tenure. The building, designed by Tucker and Howell and built by Robert and Company, is a rare example of Art Moderne architecture in Georgia. The exterior is composed of Flemish bond brick, marble, and limestone, with a flat terraced roof deck, curved corners, and horizontal windows.
The Atlanta Constitution newspaper occupied the building until its consolidation with the Atlanta Journal in 1955, just three years after it was built. During this brief period, the building housed the newspaper's offices and a new radio station, WCON, on the top floor.
Editor Ralph McGill expressed his hope that the prestige of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper would grow to match its new home. However, the newspaper outgrew the building and moved out in 1953, with Georgia Power moving into the space in 1955.
The building served as the headquarters of Georgia Power until 1972, after which it has remained vacant for several decades. Despite proposals for redevelopment, the building has stood abandoned and deteriorating, becoming an eyesore in the neighborhood.
The Atlanta Constitution Building is significant not only for its architectural style but also for its role in housing one of the eminent newspapers in Atlanta during the post-World War II era. The newspaper's brief occupation of the building marked a period of growth and modernization for the publication.
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Georgia Power occupied the building from 1955 to 1972
The Atlanta Constitution Building, constructed in 1947, is a rare example of Art Moderne architecture in Georgia. It was built to house the offices of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper. However, the newspaper outgrew the building and moved out in 1953, after which the building was occupied by Georgia Power.
Georgia Power's occupancy of the Atlanta Constitution Building began in 1955 and lasted until 1972. During this period, the building served as a significant location for many Atlantans who paid their electricity bills at this downtown site. The Georgia Power Company's presence in the building contributed to its local significance.
The building's design is emblematic of the Art Moderne movement, with its exterior composed of Flemish bond brick, marble, and limestone. It features a flat terraced roof deck, curved corners, and windows on all floors, showcasing horizontal emphasis. The building's modernist style is uncommon in Atlanta, adding to its architectural significance.
Georgia Power's occupancy of the building ended in 1972, and it has remained vacant since. The building faced the threat of demolition but has survived due to its historical and architectural importance. In recent years, there have been efforts to redevelop the site, with metal shields placed over the windows to prevent homeless encampments.
In 2017, the building was sold to a developer with plans to renovate it into a mix of office spaces and low-cost housing. Invest Atlanta, the city's economic development arm, is working with Wisconsin-based affordable housing developer Gorman & Company to transform the property into a mix of nearly 200 apartments and retail spaces. The renovation project, known as Folio House, aims to revitalise the area while preserving the building's historical significance.
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The building is being redeveloped into affordable housing
The Atlanta Constitution Building, constructed in 1947, is a rare example of Art Moderne architecture in Georgia. The building has been vacant since 1972, but there have been recent efforts to redevelop it.
In 2017, the building was sold to a developer with plans to renovate it into office space and low-cost housing. However, as of 2024, Invest Atlanta, the city's economic development arm, intends to partner with Wisconsin-based affordable housing developer Gorman & Company to redevelop the property. The building, located at 143 Alabama Street, will be transformed into nearly 200 residences and retail space. This includes a new mid-rise apartment building with nearly 200 apartments and retail space, as well as the restoration of the existing structure.
The first phase of the project will focus on stabilizing and restoring the building's exterior and ground-floor commercial space. Additionally, an adjacent outdoor area called "The Pitch" will be used for cultural and community events. One of the most important aspects of this phase is the conversion of the upper floors into 50 affordable housing units, which will be available at 30 to 80% of the area median income. To ensure long-term affordability and equitable access, a $3.5 million Westside TAD Ascension Fund grant has been approved for this phase.
The redevelopment of the Atlanta Constitution Building is part of a broader vision for downtown revitalization. Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that the transformation of 143 Alabama Street is part of an effort to turn vacant and underutilized buildings into thriving community spaces. Invest Atlanta CEO Eloisa Klementich described the project as transit-oriented development, highlighting its easy access to the Five Points MARTA Station. The redevelopment is expected to have a significant impact, with projected economic output estimated at $130 million.
The preservation of the Atlanta Constitution Building is crucial to the history of the neighborhood. While the area has undergone significant changes, including the construction of the Five Points MARTA station and the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta, the building remains an important part of the city's legacy. It is hoped that the redevelopment of the building will serve as a catalyst for further revitalization and a commitment to preserving the history of Atlanta.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Building in Atlanta was built in 1947.
The Constitution Building was designed by Tucker and Howell and built by Atlanta firm Robert and Company.
The building is typical of the Art Moderne movement. Its exterior is composed of Flemish bond brick, marble, and limestone.
The building was constructed to serve as the headquarters of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper. It was occupied by the Georgia Power Company from 1955 until 1972.
