A $10 million restoration of historic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge is set to begin in the coming weeks, kicking off a renovation of the 1937 building into a 16,000-square-foot multi-use space.
The lodge on Auburn Avenue joins other historic preservation projects like the Odd Fellows Building set to become the Georgia Works headquarters. The upcoming lodge restoration is fully funded by grants from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Invest Atlanta, U.S. National Park Service, Georgia Pacific Foundation and the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.
It marks another stride in preserving the area’s robust Black history. The lodge is home to the local Prince Hall Masons, a fraternal organization founded in 1775 by former slave and civil rights activist Prince Hall. The masons practice secret rituals and moral teachings while engaging in mutual aid and social justice work.
The lodge was also home to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the 1960s and is the only known office of Martin Luther King Jr. It was also home to a Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Shoppe and WERD, the country’s first Black-owned radio station.
Mason and advisor to the renovation, Edward Bowen, celebrated the restoration, which aimed to maintain architectural integrity while adding structural enhancements, “aesthetic revitalization,” and modern elements. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the renovation will also include a new roof, windows, air conditioning, electrical works, an elevator and a recreation of King’s office.
The restoration project is being led in partnership with the Prince Hall Masons and the Trust for Public Land. After its completion, the building will continue to be a Masonic venue, and the bottom floors will be open to the public as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.
“This restoration celebrates not just a building but the countless stories and contributions of the Prince Hall Masons to our community,” Bowen said. “We are honored to preserve this legacy and provide a space where new chapters can be written.”
Local historic preservation advocates have shared hopes that the restoration will continue to bolster the historic corridor. The lodge is next door to Tabor Temple, which houses the headquarters of the SCLC women’s division. The temple was built in 1927, a decade before the lodge — Atlanta Preservation Center Executive Director David Mitchell previously said the building is in need of a new roof.
“This project can serve as a gateway to more of this work being done. These Atlanta structures define a big part of the 20th Century of Atlanta, the state and the region,” Mitchell said in a 2023 interview. “If this is the catalyst that’s going to ignite a renaissance of the Sweet Auburn corridor, then that is even more wonderful.”
Prince Hall Mason Grandmaster Primus James said the lodge is part of the Mason’s ongoing work as a driver of change and progress in the Black community, and the group will “continue to drive the advancement of our people.”
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Ah, the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge—a venerable institution steeped in history. Its $10 million restoration is not merely a renovation but a resurrection of a landmark that has witnessed the ebbs and flows of our nation’s journey toward equality. This endeavor ensures that the echoes of its past continue to inspire future generations.
I’ definitely want to pay a visit once the restoration is completed. That would be a great honor.
I hope there is something left of the old building when they get through replacing everything.
What a wonderful start to the revitilization of one of Atlanta’s oldest black historical landmarks. I am so glad this is taking place and can’t wait to see it to fruition. J
Looking forward to the works competition. Willie H. Dixon, Military Lodge, Wiesbaden. St. James Lodge #4, Auburn Av. “For Life”
Thanks and congratulations to those behind this effort. Atlanta’s unrivaled growth has resulted in much of its’ built heritage being lost, not by intent but by accident of economics. Reuse of what remains will help foster a better sense of place, among residents. Historic Preservation is also better for the environment. That this particular site has national historical significance, makes the effort all the more laudable.