In a significant development for the Westside community of Atlanta, the historic apartment building at 220 Sunset Ave. is set to reopen after years of neglect and deterioration.
Once home to the Jackson family, including future Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson, the building has undergone extensive renovations to transform it into modern, high-end affordable housing.
Constance Jackson Carter, 78, who moved into the building with her family as a two-year-old, recalls the vibrant atmosphere of their home.
“It was a beautiful, miraculous home,” she said, reflecting on how her parents envisioned it as both a family residence and a space for faculty of Spelman College.
The Westside Future Fund (WFF) is overseeing the building’s reopening, which will occur on Monday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
In 2020, the WFF purchased the property with the aim of restoring its historical significance and pursuing designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now completed, the refurbished 76-year-old building spans 6,000 square feet, featuring five units designated for faculty and staff of Spelman College.
John Ahmann, president and CEO of WFF, expressed immense gratitude for the project.
“This is amazing. It brings together our mission of honoring the history and heritage of the Westside while helping those with historic connections to the neighborhood,” he stated.
Spelman College officials echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership as one that honors the legacy of the Jackson family and strengthens the community.
Although he was not born in the building, Maynard Jackson grew up there from a young age until he left for Morehouse College at 14.
Jackson made history in 1973 when he became Atlanta’s first Black mayor, a role that greatly influenced the city’s development.
The apartment building is located near several significant historical landmarks, including the former home of Martin Luther King Jr., who moved his family to the neighborhood in 1965.
Activists and community leaders are hopeful about the restoration of the Jackson family residence, viewing it as a transformative step in revitalizing the area ahead of the anticipated 2026 World Cup.
Despite its troubled history, the property, which has changed ownership several times, was nearly demolished under the King Center, which had applied for a demolition permit due to the building’s poor condition.
However, community activist Bishop John Lewis raised concerns about its historical significance, prompting the King Center to withdraw the permit.
In a pivotal move, WFF purchased the building in 2020 for $250,000 with a mission to transform it into affordable housing rather than allowing it to be lost to history.
The renovation project, which cost about $3 million, was led by Johnnie and Derrick Cannon, brothers and third-generation builders committed to restoring the building to its former glory.
“When we started, one side of the building had collapsed completely, and we had to stabilize the entire structure,” said Johnnie Cannon, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining its historical integrity.
Derrick Cannon highlighted the building’s cultural relevance, noting how it serves as a symbol of hope and transformation for future generations.
During their time in the apartment, the Jacksons enjoyed a spacious living area complete with a Steinway piano, creating a warm family environment that contributed to their legacy in Atlanta.
After the passing of her husband, Reverend Jackson, Irene Dobbs Jackson relocated with her younger children to France to further her education, temporarily renting their apartment to Spelman faculty.
By 1959, she returned to Atlanta, becoming a trailblazer for racial equity by demanding equal borrowing privileges at the city’s public library system.
In 1969, the Jackson family sold the building, which then came under the ownership of Southern Rural Action Inc. and was utilized as a research site for scholars studying King’s legacy.
As WFF reaches out to identify future tenants, they plan to keep rents below market value and facilitate potential pathways to homeownership for residents.
Carter expressed hope that the restored building aligns with her parents’ vision of fostering an environment for personal growth and community.
Having attended Duke University, she reflects on her family’s long association with Spelman College, where her mother and all her sisters graduated, stating that the newly renovated building fulfills a significant family legacy.
In conclusion, the reopening of 220 Sunset Ave. not only revitalizes a historic piece of Atlanta but is also intertwined with the stories of influential leaders and families that shaped the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
This project stands as a testament to the enduring importance of affordable housing in preserving the history and identity of communities.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/uatl/maynard-jackson-family-home-restored-by-westside-future-fund/LGYV2GBAI5HEXCEECE2RRFVEYU/
