Atlanta may tear down its past, but sometimes it leaves a trace.
From vanished libraries to long-lost theaters, Atlanta’s buildings have a way of disappearing. Yet if you look closely, fragments of the city’s history still remain—columns, tiles, chandeliers, even signage—surviving long after the walls around them fell.
In this episode of Stories of Atlanta, we uncover the surprising places where pieces of old Atlanta still live on. And stay tuned for the twist ending: one of Peachtree Street’s grandest theaters survives—but not in Atlanta.
Recognising that every generation wishes to express their aspirations through making contributions to the built environment and I respect that need. It is sad to see beautiful buildings patiently waiting to serve a new purpose, demolished for something as inefficient as a simple parking lot or mini-plaza. I’ve lived in four “larger” cities in my lifetime, all four had an example of a historic residential neighborhood, or downtown area physically and functionally diminished by institutions, usually once vibrant not-for-profits in decline, who wiped out all their neighboring properties certain that a ring of paved parking would provide their salvation. It rarely does and the associated loss of the urban fabric fosters an environment less attractive to visitors whether bound by foot or car. Atlanta has some of these dead zones, one of which is about 50 years old. Fifty years is actually a long time in a cities’ history. What is needed is some form of institutional rescue, where the government acting benevolently, just as it would for any downtrodden citizen, assists the institution into a new home where their mission can be better met, their former home and all it memories, preserved through reuse and reintegration of the site into the urban fabric to meet the needs of today.
Kent, thanks for watching the video and for adding your voice to the conversation. So often, the argument is made that our choice is either preservation or progress…when in truth, the two are not mutually exclusive. As has been proven so often, it is possible to respond to present day and future needs while, at the same time, honoring one’s historic heritage, culture, and character.