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DEL.ICIO.USHistorical building donated to Tech foundation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia Tech Foundation is the proud new owner of the historically-significant Academy of Medicine building on West Peachtree in Midtown.
The Atlanta Medical Heritage is donating the 1941 building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, to the foundation because it was no longer able to keep up with its maintenance.
“We just ran out of gas,” said Emory Schwall, president of the governing board. “We loved the building, but we knew it had serious problems. It needs a lot of work done to it.”
The Atlanta Medical Heritage organization donated the building with a few conditions — that it continues to be called the Academy of Medicine, that it be preserved in a way that’s consistent with its historical significance, and that the Academy’s small medical museum continue to be maintained on the first floor.
John Carter, president of the Georgia Tech Foundation, said in an email that the foundation is committed to preserving the building.
“We look forward to having the Academy, a building with major historical importance, as a part of our campus and anticipate it will play an important role in the lives of our students, faculty and staff as well as our community,” Carter said. “The exact use will be determined in the near future.”
Schwall said the donation only included the building on less than one acre of land in Midtown. He said the Georgia Tech Foundation has acquired the adjacent parking lot.
It’s one of the last remaining gems we have left in this city,” Schwall said. “It’s an historical treasure.”
The Academy of Medicine was designed by one of Atlanta’s most revered architects — Philip Trammell Shutze. Coincidentally, Shutze was a part of the first entering class of architecture students at Georgia Tech in 1908.
The building includes a 254-seat auditorium, a library and dining room. A major feature is the Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier that was part of the movie set of “Gone with the Wind.” In fact, Schwall said that GWTW author Margaret Mitchell helped arrange for the chandelier to be placed in the Academy of Medicine.” Photo from the American Institute of Architects
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Comments
By Bobby
July 28, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I was jogging past it just yesterday and wishing it was better kept. I attended a party there in 1996. Now my fear is that if GA Tech Foundation will go back on its word and try to demolish it for something new and similar to all the glass buildings on Tech Square. Is it protected by the National or GA Trust? Please say so…I bet anything GA Tech is hoping they can use this acquistion as a PR ploy to show they do care about historical buildings after how badly they fell with 771 Spring St!
By Chris Heisel
July 28, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info, I live near the building and I’m glad to know who my neighbors are (now)!
By Tony
July 28, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
This Tech alum is thilled with the news. I’ve admired that building for years, and am excited that it’s become a part of the Tech campus.
Bobby, perhaps you should read the second paragraph of Maria’s article, the part that says “…the 1941 building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places…” and the fourth, which says “The Atlanta Medical Heritage organization donated the building with a few conditions — that it continues to be called the Academy of Medicine, that it be preserved in a way that’s consistent with its historical significance, and that the Academy’s small medical museum continue to be maintained on the first floor.”, and cool it with your Georgia Tech Foundation bashing. Along with a lot of other people out there.
By atlpaddy
July 28, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Just to let you all know - the National Register of Historic Places DOES NOT prevent demolition of a historic property that is privately owned. It only mitigates the demolition of properties that are either publicly owned, or if public funds are to be used in their demolition.
In this case, it looks like the Atlanta Medical Heritage Organization is placing preservation easements on the building in the donation that will prevent the GA Tech Foundation from demolishing it.
By Jim
July 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Bobby (first comment) Are you on drugs?!
By More Parking
July 29, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I personally think that old building should be bulldozed and an ashpalt parking lot put in its place. There is a horrible parking problem in that area. Who cares about an old building anyway.
By Edward
July 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Jim, do you always make personal attacks on public forums? Do you actually have a comment about the subject or is pumping up your flaccid ego by attacking others your paramount goal? Please try to act like an adult from now on, at least in public.
I am happy to see the building on its way to being preserved, but I also am leery of the Tech Foundation’s integrity in keeping their promises. I hope they prove admirable, though.
By Housing for the Poor
July 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I think the building should be converted into low income housing. There is just such a shortage of affordable housing in that area. Maybe a portion of the campus can be allocated to the homeless. Like maybe a soup kitchen or just a place from them to congregate.
By Heping the Less Fortunate
July 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I agree with Housing for the Poor. In addition I think all selfish upwardly mobile productive high achievers should be taxed at a much higher rate and the proceeds should be redistributed to drug addicted homeless and those that have “lost out on life’s little lottery.” It’s just not fair.
By bri
July 29, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
how about we don’t demo it or convert it at all and just let poor folks roam about it anyway, as is.
By wsj
July 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I guessing Tech will use it for campus functions requiring a posh setting. It will not be used to help the poor and homeless. Tech doesn’t want to attract them to the campus. That area should be gentrified.
By Poor and Unfortunate
July 29, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I would like to see a diversity center created. Maybe tolerance classes could be taught. “Why can’t we just all get along?” Either that or an indoor gun range.
By Mister Chalie Bobo
July 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I think it should be converted into a working plantation.
By Elitist
July 29, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
What GT really needs is exclusive Country Club. A members only type atmosphere where a man can enjoy a cognac and a fine cigar with friends.
By Dan
July 30, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Wonderful…..donate your historic building to the Georgia Tech Foundation, who is in a fierce debate to demolish a similar structure just down the street! And John Carter has the gall to talk about how Tech is committed to this type of preservation? Unbelievable.
By Out of choices
July 30, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Dear Housing for he poor,
Just who do you think attends Tech? Their dining facilities are already on the level with a soup kitchen and after graduation most will be homeless.
By GTGrad
July 30, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I am a proud grad and donor to GT. What happends to the building is up to GTF, Donors of the building and Donors to GTF… Private Property Rights still rule in USA… So to all who are not happy with the outcome: go make/donate money and change outcome. As saying goes: Money talks and BS walks. Till then please stop b*** and worry about things you can control: your own life, property and money.
By Dan
July 30, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
GTGrad - I am also a proud graduate of Georgia Tech and supporter of the GTF. So to act like my complaints are pointless banter is silly…..I donate to the Foundation, so I am allowed a certain say into what they do, just as you are because of your donation. We happen to have conflicting opinions, but don’t lecture me about putting my money where my mouth is - I already do!
By Atlanta Archie
July 30, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Thank you to the GTF for coming forward and helping to save the Academy of Medicine. Thankfully this building is fully landmarked, and that conditions were placed on the donation that require GA Tech to respect this buildings imense Architectural Heritage, and International importance. Finally Georgia Tech will have a building by one of it’s most internationally and locally reknowned, alums, Phil Shutze!
p.s. Let’s hope they can do the same for the Crum and Forster…this can’t be like the movie Sophies Choice. (In response to some comments above, and I’m not sure if y’all were joking or not - because the suggestions are laughable; but affordable housing exists across the street on Cypress. There are numerous sites that can also accomodate such facilities, the Acad. of Medicine is not one of them!…there is no reason to denude, denature, and demean this architectural masterpiece!
By Yoga
July 31, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
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