Breaking update: 20 hillard (Atlanta: parking, building, place)

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by JPD

I've seen exactly zero evidence that the city has any desire whatsoever to prevent new developments.

Not saying some historic structure shouldn't be saved, but realize that there is a cost when you do it. You can no longer use that land to build something else so each building you save raises prices slightly in an area.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by jeoff

Everything about it seems pretty weird:
It was bought for 150K in 2006 (when the market was up), then the city bought it for 750K in 2009 (when the market was down) then it is scheduled for demolition without review or notice. Sort of wonder who made 600K on a 150K investment in 3 years in a down market...

'Sort of'? Someone needs to unleash the hounds.
I really don't get the interest in this building, otherwise.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Just realize that stricter Atlanta becomes with preventing new developments the higher housing costs will go.

The city has become stricter and requires developers to do more, to offset costs that the city or other residents would have to take on. Its a good thing for the residents. If a developer wants to build in the city, then the city is going to hold them to a higher level.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Not saying some historic structure shouldn't be saved, but realize that there is a cost when you do it. You can no longer use that land to build something else so each building you save raises prices slightly in an area.

Not really. If this building is saved, and is rehabbed and put to use, it will increases the supply of available square footage in the area. Increasing supply doesn't make prices go up.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

'Sort of'? Someone needs to unleash the hounds.
I really don't get the interest in this building, otherwise.

So, how does a purchase like this get approved?

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by jeoff

So, how does a purchase like this get approved?

Damned if I know. I sure would like to.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by JPD

Not really. If this building is saved, and is rehabbed and put to use, it will increases the supply of available square footage in the area. Increasing supply doesn't make prices go up.

But it is often cheaper to build new than rehab an old space. Especially if it is different use like going from commercial to residential. Also new building can be more sq ft than historic buildings.

Again, I think this is fine and support saving some buildings. But this is just a note that if Atlanta goes too gun-ho with historical rules we could lose our low cost of housing.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by jsvh

But it is often cheaper to build new than rehab an old space. Especially if it is different use like going from commercial to residential. Also new building can be more sq ft than historic buildings.

Again, I think this is fine and support saving some buildings. But this is just a note that if Atlanta goes too gun-ho with historical rules we could lose our low cost of housing.

Don't worry. Atlanta is most definitely not going too gung ho with historic preservation rules.

[arjay57]

I would save it, Ansley, although the cost should NOT be borne by the taxpayers.

Although it's not a grand structure, the building is a good example of industrial buildings in Atlanta in the early 1900s. The area around Edgewood was once a bustling industrial zone and by 1911 it was getting pretty built up.

If refurbished, buildings like this could contribute to remaking this into an interesting district of restaurants and shops. We've already plopped $100+ million into this streetcar project so I say let's see how it goes.

I would emphasize again that the money for such things should come from the private sector, NOT the public treasury.

[atler8]

Good research there with supplying us the map Arjay & I concur w/ your opinion on the matter.
The building is a part of the disappearing old bones of bygone Atlanta.
Unfortunately, we have a history of reducing too many structures to rubble only to be replaced by a surface parking lot or empty lot.