The would-be developer of the site of the historic Atlanta Daily World building on Auburn Avenue will not appeal a decision to prevent demolition of the structure.
The application submitted earlier this year by the Integral Group raised the concern of area residents and preservationists worried about losing a part of the historic district's culture. The Atlanta Urban Design Commission unanimously denied an application to demolish the building at 145 Auburn Avenue during a hearing on Wednesday. Integral planned to build 91 housing units on the site.
"We appropriately respect the board's research, deliberations and decision concerning the former home of the Atlanta Daily World newspaper," Publisher M. Alexis Scott and Valerie Edwards, executive vice president of the Integral Group, said in a joint statement issued Thursday. The statement said neither the seller of the property -- the Scott family -- or the buyer planned to appeal the decision made by the commission.
Boyd Coons, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center, which opposed the demolition said the interest generated over the controversial request could serve as a "call to action for the city to come together and think about ways to make this a vital, viable neighborhood."
Historic preservationists are willing to work with the buildings owners and developer to find a way to preserve the structure in a way that allows it to be part of the area's revitalization.
"As these individuals and groups bring forward practical solutions to the sale and restoration of 145 Auburn Avenue, we look forward to working with them," Scott and Edwards said in the statement.
The building, which housed Atlanta's oldest black newspaper, was heavily damaged by a tornado in 2008. The 84-year-old newspaper, founded by Alexis Scott's grandfather, W.A. Scott II, moved to a new site in East Point.
Integral remains committed to its projects in the corridor and the former home of the Atlanta Daily World remains available for purchase, the statement said.
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