When asked about the former home of the Atlanta Daily World, its owner and the project developer provided a joint statement (excerpted here) on their plans for the building.
Background
● On Feb. 29, media inquiries were received by the Atlanta Daily World and The Integral Group.
● In 2008, the building and many other structures in the downtown area sustained tornado damage. The building has been uninhabitable and beyond repair since the storm.
● And after more than 50 years in the same location, the Atlanta Daily World moved to its current location.
● The owners, members of the [Alexis] Scott family, made a decision to sell. It’s the desire of the owners to allow the building to be renovated while preserving its legacy and historical significance.
● On Jan. 31, Integral submitted a demolition application to the Atlanta Urban Design Commission (UDC).
● Integral is contemplating developing 91 apartment homes on this and an adjacent site to serve the growing downtown rental market.
● Integral made an offer contingent upon their ability to get approval from [the] UDC to demolish portions of the building while trying to preserve the façade as part of their redevelopment plans.
● Integral’s plans permit the building [to be] restored as a vibrant and contributing asset to Auburn Avenue. The historical significance of the Atlanta Daily World will be preserved. The owners of the building fully support this transaction.
● Integral has restored or saved five historic buildings, including its corporate headquarters.
● Integral wants to preserve the façade of the building while demolishing portions of the building that are beyond saving.
● A “partial demolition” is treated by the UDC the same as “full demolition.” The UDC has no provision for a partial demolition in its application process.
● After 25 to 30 years of a lack of investment, it’s clear that crumbling buildings severely limit full recovery of the immediate business district.
Ultimately, Mother Nature plays the role of demolition contractor. The community suffers for decades with an eyesore that prevents the community from benefiting from an area recovery and may jeopardize health and safety.
● Without significant public or private grants to finance historic restoration and preservation, building owners must finance restoration from their own resources.
Nonetheless, Integral is committed to honoring the legacy of the buildings and maintaining the historic feel of the community as much as feasible.
Valerie Edwards, executive vice president of Integral Group. Alexis Scott, president and CEO of the Atlanta Daily World.
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