Renovations to the historic Atlanta Constitution building on Alabama Street have officially begun. Located near Centennial Yards, the Atlanta landmark will be completely renovated and modernized to serve as an anchor in the heart of downtown.
“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,” says 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 of what will be known as the Folio House 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 FIFA World Cup 26™. An adjacent outdoor area, to be known as 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%-80% of the area median income and feature 5,575 square feet of commercial space. The Invest Atlanta Board approved a $3.5 million Westside TAD Ascension Fund grant to ensure long-term affordability and equitable access to housing and commercial opportunities.
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.
“Strategic investment in Downtown Atlanta is more than just revitalization – it’s a catalyst for inclusive growth fueled by public-private partnerships,” says 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.”
Built in 1947, 143 Alabama is an Art Moderne structure that served as the Atlanta Constitution’s newspaper printing facility. Newspaper production ceased at this location in 1953 due to additional space requirements needed for the newly consolidated Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After housing Georgia Power offices through the early 1970s, the building remained mostly unoccupied until it was purchased by The City of Atlanta in 1995.
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,” says 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.”