615 Peachtree Street Set for Demolition
An Atlanta Modern landmark building at the intesection of North Avenue and Peachtree Street is set for demolition, according to a recent Atlanta Business Chronicle article.
Read more at the Chapter's new news blog. Click here.
December 2005 E-newsletter available. Click here.
SAVE THE SULLIVAN/WRIGHT COTTAGES
Ocean Springs, MS
The complex of structures (reported in the Fall issue of the DOCOMOMO-GA Newsletter) was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August.
A team of students from the Savannah College of Art & Design will be onsite to conserve architectural fragments of glass and curly maple from the Charnley Cottage, which is currently off its foundation.
The owner of the Charnley Cottage and guest cottage is unable to initiate a restoration and has decided to sell the property. The building's future is threatened by the impending debris removal schedule (December) mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Please see www.savewright.org and www.mississippiheritage.com for more information on this important threat.
The Ocean Springs vacation cottages, one for Louis Sullivan himself, and the second next door for James Charnley, are about as "early Wright" as you can get—he had begun his architectural career only three years earlier. Sullivan fell in love with the Gulf Coast and the beauty of the natural landscape, and a 1905 Architectural Record description of the veranda of the Sullivan bungalow speaks of "great clusters of white wisteria hanging from the roof" and the view "across the stretch of water of the bay glittering with countless gems beyond the ransom of kings.' When Katrina hit Ocean Springs, the Louis Sullivan House was "vaporized," according to its owner, and Louis's "paradise, the poem of spring, Louis' other self" [as he wrote in An Autobiography of an Idea] was simply gone.
Next door, the James Charnley House was severely damaged, with both house and guest house knocked off their piers; a tree fell on the guest house roof. This cypress shingle-clad house was something of a sister house to the more famous James Charnley House in Chicago: Wright designed the brick "palazzo" Chicago residence for Charnley the following year (1891), now the headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). Some say the Charnley vacation cottage may be salvageable, but at considerable expense; the Sullivan House is simply and completely gone.
Robert M. Craig, "Thoughts on the Cultural Impact of Katrina: People and Things [Modern]," DOCOMOMO-GA Newsletter, Fall 2005 (click here for PDF).
Jon Buono
Vice-President
Georgia Chapter
DOCOMOMO-US
“Mies Imperative: A Total Design”
A lecture by Peter Lizon, PhD, FAIA
5 pm
Wednesday November 16th, 2005
Architecture Auditorium (room 123)
Georgia Tech, College of Architecture
Atlanta, GA
Please join DOCOMOMO-US GA Chapter for a lecture on the history and conservation of Villa Tugendhat, the last major residence in Europe designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). The presentation will also highlight Lizon’s experience with the interior restoration of the Villa Tugendhat in the 1990s.
A two times Fulbright Scholar, Peter Lizon, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Lizon was born in Lucenec, Czecho-Slovakia and graduated from the Slovak Technical University in 1961. He received his master's degree in architecture from the Academy of Fine Arts, Bratislava, in 1965, and in 1968 he was granted a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Ph.D.
Lizon’s architectural advocacy has lead to the restoration of modern movement landmarks in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, he has written and published on the arts, culture and politics of the region. Most recently, he collaborated on the design of the new Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington, DC.
Villa Tugendhat Exhibition
Ongoing in the atrium
Georgia Tech, College of Architecture
Atlanta, GA
The Villa Tugendhat, arguably the most significant work of Modernist domestic architecture in Europe, was the last major residence in Europe designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). Its free-flowing, open plan recalls the Barcelona Pavilion and it features opulent materials—onyx, chrome, travertine, ebony, and Macassar. Set into a hill, the villa’s simplicity of form is elegantly integrated with the garden—laid out by Markéta Müllerová in accordance with Mies’ notion of "accentuated emptiness." Mies designed the furniture for the villa; reproductions of some pieces are still produced today.
The original owners, the Jewish Tugendhat family, were forced to abandon the villa when they fled the country in 1938. The Gestapo took control and the villa was damaged during the war. Afterwards, it was used as a school, children’s hospital rehabilitation center, and in 1969, the City of Brno, (Czech Republic) took ownership. Since that time, multiple restoration campaigns have allowed the building to be presented as a house museum.
The Georgia Chapter of DOCOMOMO-US is proud to sponsor the accompanying lecture “Mies Imperative: A Total Design” by Peter Lizon, PhD, FAIA on Wednesday November 16th 2005 at Georgia Tech, College of Architecture (time and space to be announced via email).
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter Members and Supporters:
After hearing requests to consider rehabilitation of the Constitution Building into design of a new passenger terminal from numerous emails and in statements by Jon Buono, Jack Pyburn, and Thomas Little of the Georgia Chapter, the City Council voted Monday to transfer the building and adjacent properties to Georgia Department of Transportation. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) plans include demolition of the building and construction of a "bare bones" passenger terminal on the site.
Here is the report from today's AJC:
Atlanta votes to give state site for train-bus station
Old newspaper building likely to be destroyed
By Ty Tagami
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/18/05
The former Atlanta Constitution building downtown came one step closer to destruction Monday when the Atlanta City Council voted to give the property to the state so it can be replaced with a train and bus terminal.
The decision came with some reluctance after preservationists spoke about the historic value of the crumbling city-owned structure near the Five Points MARTA station. The council initially voted to give preservationists three weeks to air their concerns but then succumbed to pleas from the administration of Mayor Shirley Franklin to move the project along.
The mayor's chief of staff, Greg Pridgeon, said tinkering with plans to demolish the building would "significantly" delay the opening of a new commuter rail line. "We're on a pretty short time frame to move forward," he said.
The city will give the property, at the corner of Forsyth and Alabama streets, to the Georgia Department of Transportation as part of a match of federal funding for construction of a multi-modal passenger terminal. The terminal would serve as the Atlanta end of a commuter rail line to Lovejoy, which was narrowly approved by the state transportation agency's board in September.
The train could be running 15 months after the conclusion of "minor" negotiations with Norfolk Southern for use of its rail lines downtown, the chairman of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority said in an interview. Carl Rhodenizer could not say, however, how long it might take to build the Atlanta terminus of the line.
Preservationist Jack Pyburn left Monday's meeting believing there was a chance the building would be saved. "That's too bad," he said later when told of the council's reversal. "This was an important building."
Pyburn, an Atlanta architect, said the newspaper commissioned a modernist design to promote the "image of the city as a progressive city" during the civil rights movement. He said the building could have been worked into the design of the terminal, though officials have said that would have been prohibitively expensive given its structural decay.
It is likely that the GDOT will proceed with the Phase I (the only funded phase) design described in this fact sheet:
http://www.dot.state.ga.us/dot/plan-prog/intermodal/rail/Documents/PDF/2005%20MMPT%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20w%20buildout.pdf
Not only does this plan require demolition of the Constitution Building, it will stand vacant most of the day after rush hour trains come and go. We consider this another missed opportunity for a creative design - integrating a historic building into a development that would bring round-the-clock activity to the area.
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter greatly appreciates the strong support for the "Save the Constitution Campaign." The Chapter encourages members and supporters to contact the Mayor and City Council members and express their disappointment with yesterday's decision. In addition, comments and letters sent to local newspapers would be very helpful. Email addresses for the Mayor's office and City Council members were included in yesterday's notice. Send letters to the Atlanta Journal Constitution at letters@ajc.com or fax them to 404-526-5610. Please copy correspondence to DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter.
It is important to send correspondence now - while the issue is considered current.
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter will issue a statement concerning this issue.
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter, Inc. is a regional society promoting research, scholarship, and education concerning the Modern Movement, and the conservation of the buildings, landscape, and built environment of the Modern Movement. For more information visit: www.docomomoga.org
Thomas F. Little, AIA
President
DOCOMOMO/US, Georgia Chapter, Inc.
tlittle@docomomoga.org
According to an item in this morning's AJC, the Atlanta City Council may vote to turn over the Atlanta Constitution Building to the Georgia Department of Transportation for demolition for construction of a "bare bones" multimodal station. More information follows the AJC article below.
From the October 17, 2005 Atlanta Journal Constitution:
Horizon: Ahead of the Curve
Ty Tagami, Ariel Hart, Duane D. Stanford, Clint Williams - Staff
Monday, October 17, 2005
Atlanta council may vote today on site for multimodal station
The much-discussed concept of a multimodal train and bus station in downtown Atlanta may roll nearer its destination today when the Atlanta City Council decides whether to provide the land for its construction.
The council is preparing to give the Georgia Department of Transportation the parcel that contains the old Atlanta Constitution building, across the street from the Five Points MARTA transit station. The property would serve as part of the city's match of federal funding for the Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal.
The vote is prompted by the state transportation agency's decision last month to move forward on a Lovejoy to Atlanta commuter railway.
"We didn't feel like handing it over until there was some guarantee that something was going to happen," explained Councilwoman Debi Starnes, chairwoman of the finance committee.
Should the vote go as expected, preservationists may be unhappy. They say the decaying brick structure at Forsyth and Alabama streets should be saved. But transportation is a higher priority for the city, which says the terminal fits well with the proposed Beltline, a 22-mile transit loop ringing the inner city.
The terminal would deposit visitors within walking distance of major downtown destinations, such as the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and soon-to-open Georgia Aquarium.
--- Ty Tagami
SAVE THE CONSTITUTION!
As current owner of the property, the City of Atlanta should require serious
consideration of adaptive use of the building prior to allowing any work to
proceed on the site.
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter encourages all concerned to call or write your
Atlanta City Council representatives and the Mayor's office. Let them know
how important preservation of Atlanta's 20th century heritage is to you, and
although expanded transportation options are important to a vital city, they
should not require loss of the historic Atlanta Constitution Building. Ask
that, as a condition of the property transfer, the City Council and Mayor
require GDOT seriously consider the possibility of adaptive use of the
building, before allowing any work on the site.
Please copy DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter with any correspondence.
Contact Information:
Mayor Shirley Franklin: mayorfranklin@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6000
City Council:
Lisa Borders, president: lmborders@atlantaga.gov
Carla Smith, District 1: csmith@atlantaga.gov
Debbie Starnes, District 2: dstarnes@atlantaga.gov
Ivory Lee Young, District 3: ilyoung@atlantaga.gov
Cleta Winslow, District 4: cwinslow@atlantaga.gov
Natalyn Archibong, District 5: narchibong@atlantaga.gov
Ann Fauver, District 6: afauver@atlantaga.gov
Howard Shook, District 7: hshook@atlantaga.gov
Clair Muller, District 8: cmuller@atlantaga.gov
Felicia Moor, District 9: fmoore@atlantaga.gov
C.T. Martin, District 10: cmartin@atlantaga.gov
Jim Maddox, District 11: jmaddox@atlantaga.gov
Joyce Sheperd, District 12: jmsheperd@atlantaga.gov
Ceasar Mitchell, Post 1 at large: ccmitchell@atlantaga.gov
Mary Norwood, Post 2 at large: mnorwood@atlantaga.gov
H. Lamar Willis, Post 3 at large: hwillis@atlantaga.gov
October DOCOMOMO/US Georgia Chapter Meeting
When? Monday, 17 October, 2005, 5:30 PM
Where? The Globe, 75 Fifth Street SW, Atlanta (NW corner of Spring & 5th)
What? General Chapter business and planning followed by a discussion about Modern Georgia
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
DOCOMOMO/US, Georgia Chapter: www.docomomoga.org
Trust Company of Georgia transformed into Piebar 
Piebar is the subject of an Atlanta Journal Constitution article available here (may require registration):
www.accessatlanta.com/arts/content/arts/0705/27piebar.html
For those who attended DOCOMOMO/US Georgia Chapter's event at Piebar July 23, 2005:
www.flickr.com/photos/37872410@N00/sets/652761/
URGENT! Help save the historic Atlanta Constitution Building!
To those who have expressed support for the Save the Constitution campaign:
THANK YOU!
To those who haven't:
CONTACT THE ATLANTA MAYOR'S OFFICE AND YOUR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS! We ask that ALL DOCOMOMO GA members and supporters immediately contact Atlanta City Council representatives and the Atlanta Mayor's Office.
Let decision makers know that you believe
o the building is an important piece of Atlanta and downtown history; and
o alternatives should be studied for saving the building within MMPT plans.
Go to this address for more information:
http://www.docomomoga.org/pages/constitution/constitution.html
Email addresses and phone numbers for Council Members are available at: http://apps.atlantaga.gov/citycoul/COUNCIL.HTM
City of Atlanta Mayor's Office
55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Tel: 404.330.6000
Fax: 404.658.7673
Please copy correspondence to GADOT and to the DOCOMOMO GA Chapter:
Steve Yost, Rail Program Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation
Office of Intermodal Programs
276 Memorial Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3743
404-651-9200
steve.yost@dot.state.ga.us
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter
#241
931 Monroe Drive NE, Suite 102
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-1795
info@docomomoga.org
Again, if you haven't already, sign the petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/robertco/petition.html
FORWARD THIS INFORMATION!
CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE CONSTITUTION BUILDING IN THE NEWS:
May 30, 2005 Atlanta Journal Constitution OP-ED Page:
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/0505/30edbuilding.html
You may need to register to see this content. Follow the "FORUM" link from the page to leave a comment, if you wish.
May 25, 2005 Creative Loafing:
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/2005-05-25/cover3.html
May DOCOMOMO/US Georgia Chapter Meeting
When? Monday, 16 May, 2005, 6:30-8 PM
Where? Jake's Ice Cream, 676 Highland Avenue, Atlanta
What?
Update and planning session for Save the Constitution Campaign
(http://www.docomomoga.org/pages/constitution/constitution.html)
General Chapter business
Show-and-Tell: Bring documentation (photos, articles etc.) of Georgia sites
for discussion - A laptop will be available for viewing electronic files.
Followed by an open discussion about Modern Georgia.
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter
www.docomomoga.org
April 11, 2005
SAVE THE CONSTITUTION: DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter Works for an Improved Passenger Terminal Design
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter believes a rehabilitated Atlanta Constitution Building will enhance designs for a new transit terminal in downtown Atlanta. The Georgia Chapter continues with efforts to raise public, press, and government awareness of the building’s status and significance:
In late December, DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter sent information about the Atlanta Constitution Building to the Atlanta Mayor's Office and City Council. The Chapter received a response from the City of Atlanta in February. In responding to this letter, the Chapter reiterated support of the MMPT concept and belief that the MMPT design is compatible with rehabilitation of the building. As of April 11, 2005, the Chapter has not received a response from the City of Atlanta.
In February, the Chapter sent a list of over 600 individuals who signed the "Save the Constitution" petition to the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the local press as a reminder of public support for adaptive use of the building. The petition remains active (www.petitiononline.com/robertco/petition.html) and continues to gain more signatures.
In March, the Chapter sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requesting that all action related to the Multi Modal Passenger Terminal is postponed until consideration is given to rehabilitation of the Constitution Building. In this communication, the Chapter reiterated its support of the MMPT concept - and its belief that incorporation of a rehabilitated Constitution Building will improve the project. The Chapter also stated concern that alternatives to demolition were not seriously considered during measures taken to comply with Sections 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.
This letter was copied to the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of Transportation, The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and other local, state, and federal agencies. As of April 11, 2005, the Chapter has not received a response from the FTA or other agencies copied with this letter.
What next? Based on the documents obtained during the Chapter’s research, it is clear that adaptive use of the Atlanta Constitution Building has never been seriously considered. Given the potential for imminent demolition of the building it is more important than ever for the Chapter and its supporters to express their concern. In addition to ongoing communications with government agencies, the Chapter is conducting further research into technical issues related to adaptive use of the building, and will issue updates when appropriate.
What can you do? We ask that DOCOMOMO members and supporters to contact their Atlanta City Council representatives, the Atlanta Mayor's Office, the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Federal Transit Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Georgia Department of Transportation and let them know of the Chapter's concerns outlined in this message. The Chapter has created an updated page with contact information at
www.docomomoga.org/pages/constitution/contacts_short.html
Member of other preservation organizations? If you are a member of other national, regional, or local preservation groups, let them know of your support for an improved MMPT design that incorporates a rehabilitated Constitution Building.
Visit www.docomomoga.org for more information and updated resources. Please forward this message to individuals who might be interested in this issue.
REMINDER: Please RSVP if planning to attend (see below).
UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETING AT MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM
The Michael C. Carlos Museum (Michael Graves, Architect) at the Emory University Campus is hosting the April DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter meeting. Home to many Modern Structures, including buildings designed by John Portman; Paul Rudolph; Stevens and Wilkinson; Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback and Associates; and Aeck and Associates, among others, the Emory University Campus also includes buildings designed by Henry Hornbostel, Philip Schutze, and Ivey and Crook. A copy of the AIA Guide to the Architecture of Atlanta will be available for your information. The campus is especially beautiful during the spring months.
CHAPTER MEETING:
When: Monday, April 18, 6:30 PM
Where: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, Level Two Boardroom (click here for a PDF map - note free parking available in the Fishburne Deck)
What: Chapter Meeting
Topics for discussion include:
Atlanta Constitution Building campaign update
Update on Non-Profit status
Update: Board of Directors and Advisory Board
Recent images from Modern Denmark, including Arne Jacobsen's famous SAS Royal Hotel
Show-and-Tell: Bring documentation (photos, articles etc.) of Georgia sites for discussion - A laptop will be available for viewing electronic images on CD-ROM
Followed by an open, MODERN, discussion. See you at the Carlos!
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter
www.docomomoga.org
REMINDER: Please RSVP by responding to this email if planning to attend.
UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETING
CHAPTER MEETING:
When: Monday, March 21, 2004, 6:30 PM
Where: Offices of Surber Barber Choate and Hertlein Architects, 1776 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 700 South, Free Parking available behind building. (contact tlittle@docomomoga.org for directions).
What: Chapter Meeting
Topics for discussion include:
Atlanta Constitution Building campaign update
Chapter Business: Update on Non-Profit status, nominations for Board of Directors and Advisory Board, newsletter development, review of register nominations in progress.
Show-and-Tell: Bring documentation (photos, articles etc.) of Georgia sites for discussion. A laptop will be available to view electronic files.
Followed by an open, MODERN, discussion. See you there!
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter
www.docomomoga.org
Georgia News Updates:
"Victory for modern architecture" in Savannah. Developers have announced projects including rehabilitation of Drayton Tower (Liberty Street) and the Greyhound Bus Station (109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) in Savannah. Read the story with pictures from the Savannah Morning News at
http://savannahnow.com
Access to the story requires free registration (Thanks Paul Simo!)
"Couple revives Buckhead classic" in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution March 11, 2005. this article tells the story of the rehabilitation of a 1953 Modern residence designed by William Pulgram, FAIA. The house is for sale, and may be at risk as a target for tear-down. Read the article at:
www.ajc.com
Access to the story requires free registration.
Attendees enjoyed the surroundings and hospitality at City Issue
CITY ISSUE HOSTS UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETING
City Issue, specializing in Vintage 20th Century furnishing and accessories, is hosting the upcoming DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter meeting. For more information about City Issue, follow this link: www.cityissue.com.
CHAPTER MEETING:
When: Monday February 21, 2004, 6:30 PM
Where: City Issue, 2825 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (here's a map)
What: Chapter Meeting
Topics for discussion include:
Atlanta Constitution Building campaign update
MARKETING DOCOMOMO: Of special interest - A study evaluating the Chapter accomplishments to date, including results of a membership survey, recommendations for increasing visibility, and realistic goals related to membership and fundraising. A Georgia State University graduate student project - join us for a presentation by the students.
Update on Non-Profit status
Update: Board of Directors and Advisory Board
Show-and-Tell: Bring documentation (photos, articles etc.) of Georgia sites for discussion)
Followed by an open, MODERN, discussion. See you there!
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
21 February 2005
"SAVE THE CONSTITUTION" UPDATE:
In late December, DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter sent a package of information about the Atlanta Constitution Building to the Atlanta Mayor's Office and City Council. The Chapter has received a response from the City of Atlanta, and is preparing a reply.
Earlier this month the Chapter sent a list of over 600 individuals who signed the "Save the Constitution" petition to the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the local press as a reminder of public support for adaptive use of the building.
Based on the information made available to date, it appears that adaptive use of the Atlanta Constitution Building has never been considered an option. The Chapter believes the historic building can serve as a signature anchor for the new Multi Modal Passenger Terminal and downtown Atlanta, if given the chance, and will be issuing updates concerning efforts to save the building.
Again, if you feel strongly about the Atlanta Constitution Building:
Learn more:
Visit www.docomomoga.org/pages/constitution/constitution.html and explore the resources available.
Visit the Atlanta Preservation Center's Most Endangered List entry at www.preserveatlanta.com/acb.htm.
Download a summary document (1.2 mb PDF) at http://www.docomomoga.org/media/documents/context.doc.pdf.
Contact the Atlanta City Council and Mayor's offices:
Information is available at http://apps.atlantaga.gov/citycoul/COUNCIL.HTM. Let them know how important improved transportation options and the Atlanta Constitution Building are to you. Tell them that rehabilitation of the building should be seriously considered before moving ahead with the MMPT project. Remind them that you hope for a BETTER MMPT design incorporating the Atlanta Constitution Building. It is very important that the City of Atlanta (as present owner of the property) hears from those supporting adaptive use of the building.
Contact the Georgia Department of Transportation:
Information is available at http://www.dot.state.ga.us/. Let the agency know how important improved transportation options are to the region and to you - and ask that they consider reuse rather than demolition of the Atlanta Constitution Building.
Emails are great. Phone calls and faxes are even better.
Ask your friends, coworkers, and family to sign the petition! Ask them to visit
www.petitiononline.com/robertco/petition.html and sign the petition.
Thank you for your support!
DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter
www.docomomoga.org
31 January 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBJECT: 600 Sign Petition Urging Rehabilitation of the Historic Atlanta Constitution Building
The Georgia Chapter of DOCOMOMO US, an organization committed to documentation and conservation of sites and structures of the Modern movement, announced today that 600 individuals have signed a petition (www.petitiononline.com/robertco/petition.html) urging the Georgia Department of Transportation to consider rehabilitation of the Atlanta Constitution Building as part of a planned Multi Modal Passenger Terminal development in Downtown Atlanta.
DOCOMOMO Georgia believes a rehabilitated historic Atlanta Constitution Building (also known as the Georgia Power Building) can serve as the signature core of a new transit center for the Five Points area. The building represents an important era of Atlanta’s history, and can once again contribute to a reinvigorated Downtown Atlanta.
The building was included on the Atlanta Preservation Center's endangered list in 2003 (www.preserveatlanta.com/acb.htm).
Updated resources about the “Save the Constitution” Campaign and the Atlanta Constitution Building are available at www.docomomoga.org/pages/constitution/constitution.html.
For more information contact: DOCOMOMO US, Georgia Chapter at info@docomomoga.org or 404-783-6211.
CHAPTER MEETING: Correction to announcement issued in December (apologies!):
When: Monday January 17, 2004, 6:30 PM
Where: Jake's On Highland, 676 Highland, Atlanta
What: General Chapter Meeting
Topics for discussion include:
Atlanta Constitution Building campaign update
Hits and misses from 2004
Ideas for 2005
Upcoming events
Development of statewide interest and membership
Board of Directors: Nominees?
Meeting schedules, locations, and programs
Followed by an open discussion. See you there!
PLEASE RSVP: events@docomomoga.org
September 2004 Newsletter now available (1.1 MB).
Ab Geelhoed and Jack Pyburn, August 26, 2004 (photo Thomas Little)
Please join us for our next DOCOMOMO_US, Georgia Chapter meeting with special guest Ab Geelhoed.
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2004
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Jake’s Ice Cream, 676 Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
From 1960 to 1980, Ab Geelhoed, was the lead technical representative in the United States for Schokbeton, a Dutch firm that produced architectural precast concrete for leading mid-century architects in many locations across the globe. Ab's knowledge of and experience with mid-century architectural precast concrete is unparalleled. In the 60s and 70s, Ab lectured on the subject at the Columbia and Princeton Schools of Architecture. As a leaderin the field, Ab collaborated with such mid-century modernists as Marcel Breuer and the firm of SOM. Ab was involved in the development of quality standards for precast concrete, a then emerging architectural product.
From the late 1960s to the late 1970s, Schokbeton had a plant in Lavonia, Georgia and produced work in the Atlanta region, including the architectural panels for the two Colony Square office towers.
Currently retired and living in Holland, Ab will be visiting the U.S. While here, Ab will be the guest of DOCOMOMO Georgia for a conversation about his experiences and the role of mid-century architectural precast concrete in modern architecture.
June General DOCOMOMO Meeting
When? 14 June 2004, 6:30-8 PM
Where? Jake's Ice Cream, 676 Highland Avenue, Atlanta
What? Topics for discussion include:
- Non-profit status
- Constitution Building campaign update
- Membership and funding update from DOCOMOMO_US
- July AIA presentation
- Upcoming events
PLEASE RSVP: tlittle@docomomoga.org
Join DOCOMOMO Georgia for a Presentation: Palm Springs Modern
Thursday, May 27
7:00 PM at Jakes' Ice Cream, 676 Highland Avenue, Atlanta
Please RSVP to jbuono@docomomoga.org
LOST: Demolition of the Alcoa Building is underway as of 16 April, 2004:
The Altanta Preservation Center placed the Alcoa Building on its 2003 list of Endangered Buildings. Follow this link to the APC website about its (then) endangered condition:http://www.preserveatlanta.com/alcoa.htm
April 2004 Newsletter available here.
Organizational Meeting
When? 25 March 2004, 6-8 PM
Where? Georgia State University, Kell Hall, Room 519
Who? Preservationists, Architects, Designers, Historians, Historians, and...
What? Topics for discussion include: Membership, Introduction of Georgia Chapter and Officers, Explanation of National and International DOCOMOMO Programs, lost or threatened modern buildings and landscapes in Georgia, the state-wide survey and DOCOMOMO Register of significant Modern resources, and the upcoming International DOCOMOMO Conference, NYC, fall 2004.
For more information: info@docomomoga.org
For a map of the GSU Campus click here.
Announcing the Formation of DOCOMOMO Georgia
What is DOCOMOMO? DOCOMOMO stands for Documentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement. Initially founded in 1988 in The Netherlands, there are now DOCOMOMO working parties in over 40 countries. The organization is dedicated to the study of works of Modern Movement architecture, landscape design and urban planning around the world.
About DOCOMOMO US. For those interested in Modern architecture and design, DOCOMOMO connects you to people and events focused on this period of design. DOCOMOMO's scope is broad: from transparent skyscrapers to the quintessential Modern house; urban planning to Eames chairs. Founded as the US Working Party in 1995, DOCOMOMO US has been organizing chapters and gaining recognition in the U.S. for the past seven years
About DOCOMOMO Georgia. DOCOMOMO Georgia was formed in late 2003. After several organizational meetings, officers were elected: Thomas F. Little, AIA, President; Amie A. Spinks, Vice President; Jon Buono, Secretary; and Richard Laub, Treasurer. The chapter is officially recognized by DOCOMOMO US.
DOCOMOMO Georgia plans to increase public and professional awareness of Georgia’s Modern Heritage through organized events and tours; development of useful technical and Internet-based resources; electronic mailing lists; ongoing documentation; and collaboration with other preservation organizations, schools, and professional groups.
Documentation of Georgia’s existing Modern resources will assist ongoing preservation efforts throughout the state. DOCOMOMO Georgia has begun a statewide inventory of these resources. This growing registry documents important districts, buildings, landscapes, interiors, and public art. The registry may assist with nomination of important resources to the national DOCOMOMO Registry.
Also under development is an online resource (www.docomomoga.org) with links to relevant technical and historic resources; a bibliography; and documentation of structures identified in the registry.
To contact DOCOMOMO Georgia, contact Thomas F. Little, AIA at 404-872-8400 or at info@docomomoga.org.
