Category: Development

The historic Atlanta Constitution building in downtown Atlanta is being redeveloped into Folio House, bringing nearly 200 affordable housing units and vibrant commercial space to the area, according to city officials.

What Is Folio House?

The project, led by Gorman & Company, includes converting the upper floors into approximately 200 affordable housing units, with the first phase offering 50 units for individuals earning 30-80% of the area median income.

The ground floor will feature restored commercial space, and an adjacent area called “The Pitch” will host cultural and World Cup-related events.

This project aligns with Mayor Andre Dickens’ goal of creating 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 and aims to revitalize South Downtown by offering residences and spaces for local businesses.

143 Alabama Street To Become the Site of Folio House

Dickens and other Atlanta officials attended a ground-breaking ceremony last week to mark the start of construction.

The building at 143 Alabama Street SW in downtown Atlanta, known historically as the Atlanta Constitution Building and later the Georgia Power Atlanta Division Building, has a rich history tied to the city’s development, media, and infrastructure.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of 143 Alabama Street and it’s future in downtown Atlanta.

Early History and Construction

Situated at the northwest corner of Alabama and Forsyth Streets, the building lies in the “Heart of Atlanta,” near the “Zero Mile Post,” which marked the southeastern terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad and Atlanta’s earliest settlement in the 1830s and 1840s.

 This area, straddling the railroad gulch (“The Gulch” now named Centennial Yards), was central to the city’s growth as a transportation and commercial hub.

Original Building

An earlier Atlanta Constitution Building, designed by Adolph Wittman, stood at the opposite corner of this intersection from 1895, reflecting the newspaper’s early presence in the area.

Construction (1947)

The current five-story building at 143 Alabama Street SW was constructed in 1947, designed by the Atlanta-based firm Robert & Company at a cost of $3 million.

 It exemplifies the Art Moderne architectural style, a rare example in Atlanta, with features like Flemish bond brick, marble, and limestone exterior, a flat terraced roof, rounded corners, and horizontal window bands emphasizing a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Atlanta Constitution (1947–1953)

The building served as the headquarters for the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, a prominent publication founded in 1868, during the tenure of editor Ralph McGill, a noted advocate for racial tolerance.

The newspaper outgrew the space rapidly, and after merging with the Atlanta Journal in 1950 under common ownership, it relocated in 1953.

Georgia Power (1955–1972)

Georgia Power, the city’s major utility company, moved into the building in 1955 after a remodel.

 Many Atlantans paid their electric bills here, and the building was known as the Georgia Power Atlanta Division Building.

The company occupied it until 1972, when it moved to a new location at 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, completed in 1981.

Vacancy (1972–Present)

The building has been largely vacant since 1972, a span of over 50 years as of 2025. It became a gathering place for the homeless during cold weather and suffered damage from a fire on March 26, 2013, though no injuries were reported and the structure remained sound.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The building is a notable example of Art Moderne, a mid-20th-century style with streamlined, modern features. A bas-relief sculpture by Atlanta artist Julian Harris, depicting the history of the press, adorned the Forsyth Street side but is now installed at the Georgia World Congress Center MARTA station.

An aluminum and terrazzo medallion of the Georgia state seal, originally in the entrance, is now at McElreath Hall at the Atlanta History Center.

Preservation Status

In 2003, the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Buildings Worth Saving Committee listed it as endangered.

A 2012 survey by the State Office of Historic Preservation found it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for architecture (as one of Atlanta’s earliest Modern-style buildings) and Criterion A for its association with Georgia Power and the city’s industrial history.

Redevelopment Efforts

The City of Atlanta acquired the building in 1995. 

A 2017 sale to developer Pope & Land, with Place Properties, aimed to convert it to 67,000 square feet of offices, 142 parking spaces, and 2,500 square feet of retail, plus a new 112-unit residential building nearby, but the plan stalled.

Current Plans: Folio House

In 2024, Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, selected Wisconsin-based Gorman & Company for redevelopment.

 The project, named Folio House, involves adaptive reuse of the 95,000-square-foot building and a new tower, yielding 197 residential units (only 7 at market rate, the rest at 30, 50, and 80% of area median income) and retail space.

Groundbreaking occurred in June 2025, aiming for completion before the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revitalize South Downtown and preserve this landmark.

Final Word

The building at 143 Alabama Street SW reflects Atlanta’s evolution from a railroad hub to a modern city, its media history through the Atlanta Constitution, and its industrial growth via Georgia Power.

Despite decades of neglect, its redevelopment promises to blend historic preservation with affordable housing and commercial vitality, aligning with broader efforts like Centennial Yards and the city’s 2030 housing goals.

Final Word

If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

• Best Restaurants On The Atlanta Beltline Right Now
• Where To Eat In Atlanta
• The Best Keto-Friendly Restaurants In Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz is moving its North American headquarters to metro Atlanta, where it already has its administrative operations in the U.S., the company recently announced.

The move will add around 500 jobs to the facility and be a boob to the local economy.

Where Is Mercedes-Benz Moving in Metro Atlanta?

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its existing U.S. headquarters in Sandy Springs, which will centralize key corporate functions, including financial services and corporate operations, at its “1MB” facility in Sandy Springs, which has been its U.S. headquarters since 2018. 

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz plans to establish a new multi-million-dollar Research & Development (R&D) hub nearby.

The consolidation is expected to be completed by August 2026. The move involves relocating up to 500 jobs, primarily from the company’s financial services headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and other U.S. locations, to the Sandy Springs facility and the new R&D hub.

Why Is Mercedes-Benz Moving its HQ to Metro Atlanta?

Consolidating operations in metro Atlanta allows Mercedes-Benz to bring teams closer together, enhancing agility, speeding up market delivery, and improving customer experience.

Atlanta’s location is also strategic, being closer to the company’s growing Southeast customer base, the port in Brunswick, Georgia, and its manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which produces half of the vehicles sold in the U.S.

Sandy Springs Attracting Fortune 500 Businesses

Several companies have recently moved their headquarters to Sandy Springs, Georgia, taking advantage of its business-friendly environment, infrastructure, and proximity to Atlanta. Here are some notable examples in addition to Mercedes-Benz:

• Asbury Automotive Group: In November 2024, Asbury Automotive Group, a major U.S. franchised automotive group, announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Sandy Springs. The company purchased the former Newell Brands headquarters at 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., with the move anticipated for late summer 2025, bringing 350 new jobs to the area.
• Kumho Tire U.S.A.: In May 2025, Kumho Tire U.S.A., an Atlanta-based tire manufacturer, relocated its headquarters to Summit Perimeter Campus in Sandy Springs. The new 14,000-square-foot facility offers more space and improved amenities for employees.
• Inspire Brands: In August 2018, Inspire Brands, which manages restaurant chains like Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, opened its global headquarters in Sandy Springs. This move created over 1,100 jobs and involved a $32 million investment, though it’s slightly less recent than the others.
• Newell Brands: While Newell Brands has been based in Sandy Springs for some time, in June 2024, the company reaffirmed its commitment by signing a 180,000-square-foot lease at the Queen Tower in Concourse Office Park for its global headquarters, retaining 890 jobs and adding 165 new ones.

Final Word

In addition to a top restaurant spot, Sandy Springs has become a hub for corporate headquarters, with its strategic location, tax incentives, and access to a skilled workforce making it attractive for businesses. These relocations highlight the city’s growing role as a corporate destination in the metro Atlanta area.

Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.

Georgia State University has been on a torrid pace of expansion in and around downtown Atlanta. The largest plans include significant changes around Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, transforming the greenspaces into central hubs that encourage student engagement and strengthen GSU’s efforts to create safe, inviting and comfortable spaces for the community.

The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.

Also, located in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Preservation District, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza (FSL Plaza) would be erected on the site of the building located at 148 Edgewood.

Photo credit: Georgia State University

But there is now an effort underway to save the building from being touched by Georgia State.

According to Jeff Notrica, a Georgia-based historic property preservationist and President of Inman Park Properties, Inc., 148 Edgewood Avenue NE is more than just a building. It’s a rare survivor—a steadfast sentinel—enduring on a street scarred by a Federal highway cutting through its heart and the devastation of urban renewal that demolished much of Atlanta’s Black business and residential areas. Now, it faces an unnecessary final threat: demolition by Georgia State University.

Preservationists: Don’t Touch 148 Edgewood Avenue

“Let us be clear—148 Edgewood is a contributing structure to the Martin Luther King, Jr. – Local Landmark District, designated in 1989,” he says in a recent news release. “It lies squarely within a protected zone that commemorates one of the most vital and historically rich Black communities in the United States. The building’s destruction would not only diminish the physical fabric of this district, but would also deepen the slow erosion of its soul—piece by piece, building by building.”

Preservationists, including the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) and figures like Notrica, view these demolitions as unnecessary losses of Atlanta’s dwindling historic fabric, particularly in areas impacted by past urban renewal and highway construction that devastated Black business and residential districts.

GSU’s response includes a proposal to replace 148 Edgewood with a Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza, featuring a mural commemorating the building’s façade, but preservationists, including APC’s David Mitchell, argue this does not adequately honor the site’s history and advocate for adaptive reuse to maintain architectural diversity and economic benefits.

More changes are on the way: GSU’s $107 million “Building Pathways for Success” initiative, funded in part by an $80 million Woodruff Foundation gift, aims to transform the campus into a vibrant “college town” by 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Key projects include razing Sparks Hall, the university’s first purpose-built structure from 1955, and 148 Edgewood Avenue, a nearly century-old building in the Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District, to expand the campus Greenway and create a “Panther Quad” with enhanced greenspaces and pedestrian areas.

Georgia State has been expanding outward since acquiring land in the heart of downtown Atlanta off Peachtree Street. Now much of the plans stretch toward the Old Fourth Ward and into areas deemed historic.

The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.

At the north end of Hurt Park, the 100 Edgewood building will gain a dining area and gathering space, solidifying its role as a key part of the new campus core. Renovations to the building’s first four floors will modernize classroom spaces and add interconnecting stairways for better circulation.

Final Word

The tension between GSU’s downtown Atlanta campus expansion and historic preservationists stems from the university’s plans to demolish historic buildings to make way for modern developments, which preservationists argue erases significant cultural and architectural heritage.

They argue that buildings like 148 Edgewood, a rare survivor of these disruptions, hold significant historical value and could be adaptively reused to preserve the city’s character while meeting GSU’s needs. The APC has expressed hope that GSU’s plans could incorporate preservation, citing the university’s past adaptive reuse of buildings like the Hurt Building and 25 Park Place.

The conflict reflects a broader debate: GSU’s vision for a modern, student-centric campus versus preservationists’ emphasis on retaining Atlanta’s historic identity, especially in a city with a limited stock of historic structures.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

• These Are Atlanta’s Most Gentrified Areas
• The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Atlanta
• The Best Things To Do in Buckhead

Downtown Atlanta has a lot of cool things to get into, including nice restaurants to eat at. One thing you might not know about is that downtown Atlanta is a live music mecca.

Where’s the Live Music in Downtown Atlanta

In this article, we’ll show you where you can live live music acts in downtown Atlanta. Let’s get started. Also, don’t forget about our

Downtown Atlanta has a vibrant live music scene with venues catering to various genres and vibes. Here are some top spots where you can catch live performances, based on the latest information available:

The Tabernacle

152 Luckie St NW Atlanta Ga. 30303

A historic former church turned music venue, known for hosting big-name acts like Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae, as well as local artists. It offers standing room for up to 2,500 and reserved balcony seating. Expect genres from hip-hop to rock. Check their schedule for events like the “Legends of Rock” tribute on May 3, 2025. Nearby dining options include Waffle House and Ted’s Montana Grill.

in Atlanta

Enjoy a live music performance from talented jazz musicians and vocalists. With a mix of carefully chosen classics and spontaneous improvisation, this feel-good live music performance takes you on a journey to the roots of this revolutionary genre. Get your tickets now for We call it Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans in Atlanta! Book now.

Red Phone Booth

17 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, Ga. 30323

Here’s what one reviewer says about Red Phone Booth. “Very cool spot to chill and have drinks. Its a cigar spot with very good ventilation system. They played a wide variety of music and had a very diverse crowd. We had a great experience.”

The Masquerade

50 Lower Alabama St, Underground Atlanta, Ga. 30303

Located in Underground Atlanta, this venue has three stages—Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory—hosting nearly 700 shows annually. It’s a go-to for rock, metal, hip-hop, and alternative acts, with past performers like Foo Fighters and Radiohead. Its central location near Centennial Olympic Park makes it accessible.

Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint

200 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303

A nostalgic venue blending Southern soul food with live music, often featuring blues, jazz, and R&B. Its intimate setting and historic decor make it ideal for a relaxed night out.

Soul Nights and More

Come check out a Candlelight Concert, which offers a soothing atmosphere while the soulful hits of Prince, Maxwell, Marvin Gaye and more play live on strings. Get tickets.

The American Hotel

160 Ted Turner Dr NW Atlanta, GA. 30303

Known for occasional live jazz nights, the American Hotel is a great spot for smooth tunes and a classy atmosphere. Check their event listings for upcoming performances.

Rialto Center for the Arts

80 Forsyth St NW Atlanta, GA. 30303

A smaller, 833-seat venue in the Fairlie-Poplar district, perfect for jazz, world music, and intimate concerts. It’s a cultural hub with excellent acoustics.

Live Music Venues: What To Know Before You Go

Attending a live music event in downtown Atlanta can be an exciting experience, but being prepared will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Here are key things to know before heading to a concert or music event in the area, tailored to the downtown Atlanta scene in 2025:

1. Check Venue-Specific Details

Venues and Policies: Popular downtown venues like The Tabernacle, The Masquerade, Rialto Center for the Arts, and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint have unique policies. For example, The Tabernacle allows small bags but may prohibit large backpacks, while The Masquerade has strict rules on re-entry. Always check the venue’s website for bag policies, prohibited items (e.g., weapons, outside food/drinks), and ID requirements (some events are 21+).

Seating and Capacity: Venues like The Tabernacle offer both standing room (up to 2,500) and reserved balcony seating, while Rialto is more intimate with 833 seats. Know whether the event is general admission (standing) or seated to plan your arrival time for a good spot.

Arrival Time: Doors typically open 1-2 hours before the show. Arrive early for general admission shows to secure a good view, especially at smaller venues like The Masquerade’s Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory stages.

2. Ticketing and Entry

Buy Tickets Early: Atlanta’s music scene is vibrant, with over 1,100 events listed for 2025 on platforms like Songkick. Popular shows at venues like The Tabernacle or The Masquerade can sell out quickly. Use trusted platforms like Ticketmaster, Bandsintown, or SeatGeek to purchase tickets and avoid scalpers.

Digital Tickets: Many venues now use mobile tickets. Download your ticket to your phone via the venue’s preferred app (e.g., Ticketmaster) and ensure your phone is charged. Some venues, like The Masquerade, may also accept physica

3. Transportation and Parking

Public Transit: MARTA is a convenient option for downtown Atlanta. Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center are within walking distance of venues like The Tabernacle and Rialto. A round-trip fare is about $5. Check MARTA schedules, as service may end around midnight.

Parking: Downtown parking can be expensive ($10-$30) and limited during events. Venues like The Tabernacle recommend nearby decks (e.g., AmericasMart or Centennial Olympic Park lots). Pre-book parking through apps like SpotHero to save time. Avoid street parking unless you’re familiar with restrictions to prevent towing.

Final Word

For the latest information, check out our Atlanta Live Music Weekend Guide to see who’s performing where.

Downtown Atlanta is busy, especially near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena during overlapping events. Plan for traffic delays, particularly on weekends or during festivals like Shaky Knees (September 19-21, 2025, at Piedmont Park).

If you want to check out some other cool spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

Don’t look now but your fellow motorist might not be a person, but a computer! Driverless rideshares have appeared in the Atlanta area over the past month and you might have seen them on the highways.

How To Get a Driverless Rideshare in Atlanta

Both Lyft and Uber have partnered with autonomous vehicle companies to offer robotaxi services in metro Atlanta:

Lyft and May Mobility

Lyft, in collaboration with May Mobility, has rolled out autonomous Toyota Sienna minivans in Atlanta starting in summer 2025. These vehicles operate in designated areas of metro Atlanta, initially with safety operators, transitioning to fully autonomous operation over time.

The service is expanding based on data and user demand, with May Mobility already conducting fully driverless operations in Peachtree Corners, a suburb of Atlanta.

Uber and Waymo

Uber, partnered with Waymo, launched driverless rides in Atlanta in summer 2025, covering a 65-square-mile area from Downtown to Buckhead to Capitol View.

The service uses Waymo’s fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Riders can join an interest list via the Uber app to access these rides, with pricing equivalent to UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric.

When I joined the Waymo program via Uber, it put me on a wait list.

Additionally, a pilot program by Glydways is bringing self-driving podcars to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport area, connecting the airport SkyTrain to the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, aimed at addressing transportation gaps for airport workers.

These services are operational, with ongoing expansions planned.

Should You Do a Driverless Rideshare: Pros and Cons

As you can see, there are general advantages and challenges of driverless rideshares, especially with their widespread deployment in Atlanta and broader industr expansion plans.

How to save on car insurance in Atlanta.