Column: United Way moves into new open, collaborative HQ near Georgia State University 

By Maria Saporta
As published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle on Jan. 19, 2018

The United Wayof Greater Atlanta moved across the alley way to its new digs on Jan. 16.

The space in the Loudermilk Conference Center, downtown by Georgia State University, used to be leased by the Atlanta Regional Commission, which has moved to Peachtree Center.

Milton Little in United Way’s new space at the Loudermilk Center (Photo by Maria Saporta)

With the help of architectural firm TVS, the office area has been completely transformed into a light-filled collaborative workspace.

“We are ecstatic,” said Tim Pakenham, United Way’s chief operating officer. “We went from a 1970s vintage space to a 2018 open, collaborative environment.”

Milton Little, United Way’s president and CEO, said the new space features all the amenities found in a 21st Century workplace.

Milton Little at the reception desk of United Way (Photo by Maria Saporta)

“It feels great,” Little said. “They built the space with the intention of keeping as much of the window space clear.”

United Way, which had been housed in the 18-story Robert Woodruff Volunteer Center at 100 Edgewood Avenue, set off a musical-chairs scenario when it decided to sell the tower, which was built in 1962 and needed major repairs. There were 37 nonprofits based in the tower, and all of them have had to move to new locations.

But Little said the real estate deal to sell the tower building for student housing has fallen through. So United Way approached another interested buyer, which is currently in the due diligence phase.

Ralston and Zell

David Ralston, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, will receive the Zell MillerAward for Distinguished Public Service on Feb. 5 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

“Zell Milleris a giant of the North Georgia mountains – a dedicated public servant who has spent his life working for Georgians,” Ralston said in statement. “I am honored and humbled to be given this prestigious award which carries his name.”

The Miller Legacy Dinner celebrates former Gov. Zell Miller’s birthday by recognizing his many contributions to Georgia during his more-than-40-year career in public service.