Roosevelt Hall on the Atlanta University Center campus has undergone a $12 million renovation that is finally finished. The project wrapped earlier this month, according to the City of Atlanta.
The renovation is due to a partnership between Atlanta Housing (AH), Choice Neighborhoods and the City of Atlanta.
Roosevelt Hall Renovation Complete
The historic building, located close to Atlanta’s downtown events and activities hub, first served as the Administrative Building for University Homes, America’s first federal public housing project for black families.
A few years after its 1937 completion, the building was christened Roosevelt Hall as a homage to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
A jewel of a building, Roosevelt Hall became a dynamic gathering place for black people as the space featured a handful of storefronts like a diary, grocery store, hair salon and more.
As an AU Center structure, Roosevelt Hall aged badly and soon fell into disrepair, sitting abandoned for a decade after 2008. That is until the City of Atlanta’s Housing Authority hired architectural firm Edwards & Sayward to chart a massive renovation that would restore it to glory.
Where Is Roosevelt Hall Located In Atlanta?
Roosevelt Hall is located at 660 Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard and is the city’s last vestige of University Homes.
Now the historical building’s rich history and cultural significance have been thoughtfully re-imagined, serving the community’s needs and aspirations. The grand reopening marks a remarkable milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.
“The revitalized Roosevelt Hall will stand once again as a vibrant gathering place, positioned to benefit Choice Neighborhoods residents and foster connections with the neighboring Atlanta University Center,” said Eugene E. Jones, Jr. president and CEO of Atlanta Housing. “This visionary project embodies the spirit of progress, inclusivity, and preservation of heritage.”
In honor of its enduring legacy and to commemorate a new chapter in Atlanta’s history, the celebration included recognition of former University Homes residents and featured keynotes from the AH president; Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Atlanta; and AH Commissioner Rosalind Elliott. The afternoon festivities concluded with a guided tour of the property that offer insights into this monumental project.
Built in 1937, Roosevelt Hall was the central hub of University Homes, the first federally funded public housing project built in the United States for African Americans. Attracting business and civic activity, Roosevelt served as the community center and featured amenities such as a laundromat, library, beauty salon and barbershop. Commissioner Elliott, who grew up in the adjacent John Hopes Homes–built for African Americans in 1941–recalled Roosevelt with fondness.
“It was a special place for all of us who lived in University and John Hope Homes,” she expressed. “Yates and Milton Drugstore was downstairs in the corner. That’s where we got prescriptions filled and my momma bought ribbons for my hair. I also had my birthday parties upstairs in the community room.”
Final Word
What you might not know about Atlanta, is that the projects first surfaced here. Roosevelt Homes was a part of that history.
The renovation boasts an array of modern amenities and community-centric spaces. Residents and visitors will have access to a state-of-the-art library, cutting-edge technology center, two captivating history walls, an enchanting urban garden, versatile community spaces, special events venues, including a scenic rooftop, and a retail area. This comprehensive redesign ensures that Roosevelt becomes a versatile and dynamic centerpiece for the community, fostering educational opportunities, cultural enrichment and social engagement.