ATLANTA – June 6, 2025 – Invest Atlanta and Mayor Andre Dickens, alongside Gorman & Company announced that renovation of the 143 Alabama Street building is underway. Mayor Dickens and others celebrated this milestone for Downtown Atlanta at a groundbreaking ceremony held on the site of this iconic Atlanta building. This historic landmark, to be called Folio House, will be completely renovated and modernized to serve as an anchor in the heart of Downtown near Centennial Yards and is another major development piece in the revitalization of this area.
“As we continue to write the story of Atlanta, this next phase will include the iconic Atlanta Constitution building where our stories were literally written into history,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “The transformation of 143 Alabama is part of a broader vision of an equitable downtown revitalization that already includes 2 Peachtree and properties on Trinity and Forsyth. These investments are testaments to the strength of public-private partnerships – how they can turn vacant and underutilized buildings into thriving community-serving spaces.”
The first phase will activate the space and surrounding streets by stabilizing and restoring the building’s exterior and daylighting the ground floor commercial space in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The adjacent outdoor area, “The Pitch,” will be used for cultural and World Cup-related events. Phase 1 will also include converting the upper floors into 50 affordable housing units available at 30 to 80 percent of the area median income and will include 5,575 square feet of commercial space.
Phase 2 will add a new 151-unit affordable housing building on the surrounding property, further addressing the city’s housing needs. Once complete, the site is expected to include more than 190 affordable housing units, providing additional housing and affordable living in Downtown Atlanta near employment centers, transit and amenities.
Built in 1947, 143 Alabama is considered an Art Moderne structure, which was once the Atlanta Constitution’s newspaper printing facility. The development is part of a broader Downtown revitalization strategy that includes 2 Peachtree, 104 Trinity, and 184 Forsyth and other sites.
“Strategic investment in Downtown Atlanta is more than just revitalization—it’s a catalyst for inclusive growth fueled by public-private partnerships,’ said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “143 Alabama embodies transit-oriented development with its easy access to MARTA’s Five Points station, offering quick connectivity to job centers and points throughout the city. Once completed, this redevelopment will make a major impact with over $107 million in leveraged investment and $130 million in total economic output projected.”
Gorman & Company was selected as the development partner through a competitive RFP process, underscoring the city’s commitment to transparency and excellence in design and construction. Gorman & Company demonstrated a strong commitment to the vision of 143 Alabama and the ability to execute this complex historic renovation.
“Our vision for Folio House is to honor Atlanta’s rich history while creating new opportunities for families to live affordably in the city’s urban core,” said Joel Reed, Southeast Market President, Gorman & Company. “By breathing new life into the former Atlanta Constitution building, we’re not only preserving an architectural landmark, we’re building a future where working families can thrive just steps from transit, jobs, and everything that makes this city great.”
Phase 1 of the project was approved for a $3.5 million Westside TAD Ascension Fund grant to ensure long-term affordability and equitable access to housing and commercial opportunities.
# # #
About Gorman & Company
Gorman & Company specializes in high-quality affordable, workforce, public, and senior housing nationwide. With expertise in development, design, construction, and portfolio management, Gorman collaborates with municipalities, government agencies, and nonprofits to build inclusive, vibrant communities. Recognized as a top “Affordable Housing Developer” by Affordable Housing Finance for over a decade, Gorman is headquartered in Wisconsin with offices in Atlanta. Explore their expansive portfolio on their website.