Business
Business

GM plant’s second life in the ATL: Think smaller

A demolition company has chopped, smashed and crushed most of the 3.6 million square feet of buildings at GM’s former assembly plant in Doraville. The scrap is being shipped out on the very same rail tracks that once carried in new auto parts. MATT KEMPNER / AJC
A demolition company has chopped, smashed and crushed most of the 3.6 million square feet of buildings at GM’s former assembly plant in Doraville. The scrap is being shipped out on the very same rail tracks that once carried in new auto parts. MATT KEMPNER / AJC
By Matt Kempner
June 12, 2015

The next time you're on I-285's northern arc, take a gander at the smudge left after demolition crews vaporized one of metro Atlanta biggest job magnets.

It’s where the Atlanta Falcons contemplated putting a stadium. Others proposed launching Georgia horse racing there.

And one guy wanted it to become home to the Seven Wonders of the World, built out of Coke cans. Really.

Instead a developer's plans raise larger questions about what to do with one of metro Atlanta's most connected sites. But first, I got to see what happens when demolition crews are let loose on more than three million square feet of auto central.

Check out my column, and a plethora of photos showing demolition 101, on MyAJC.com.

Reminds me why I loved Tonka trucks as a kid.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Hyundai says it plans to hire 3,000 more workers in Georgia and increase production to 500,000 units annually at the 16 million-square-foot factory it calls the Metaplant by 2028. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)

Credit: Hyundai Motor Group

10 hybrid and EV models, 3K jobs part of Hyundai’s next phase in Georgia

The Korean automaker detailed a $2.7 billion expansion to its Georgia electric vehicle factory near Savannah and plans to grow the number of models to be built there.

Hyundai’s Georgia electric vehicle plant: What you need to know

Here’s what you need to know about the Hyundai facility in Georgia near Savannah, where production of electric vehicles will begin later this year.

Edible Brands expands THC marketplace even as lawmakers challenge the industry

In March, Edible Brands expanded beyond selling its iconic Edible Arrangements and other sweet treats into hemp products with federally legal amounts of THC.

The Latest

Andrew Cornelia, president & CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging North America, speaks to guests and media members during unveiling the first station charger in North America on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Opinion: Charging EVs away from home keeps getting easier

Hyundai’s Georgia electric vehicle plant: What you need to know

OPINION

EV tax credits end in September. Here are the cars that qualify.

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Metro Atlanta consumers grapple with higher prices on food, other goods

Inflation recently reached its highest level this year, with prices increasing for food, housing and other necessities.

Raffensperger, who rebuffed Trump in 2020, runs for Georgia governor

He was the Republican who told Donald Trump no. Now the secretary of state is telling Georgia voters he wants to be their next governor.

South Georgia football coach resigns after 0-5 start

Wayne County’s John Mohring resigned Tuesday afternoon, becoming the third GHSA football coach to step down since the season began.