Georgia State University (GSU) is under increasing pressure to reconsider its controversial decision to demolish 148 Edgewood, a significant historic building in Atlanta.
Preservationists, civil rights leaders, alumni, and community advocates have all voiced their concerns about the development plans, which threaten to erase a vital piece of the city’s history.
The structure, built in 1926 as a Georgia Power substation, has been a part of the City of Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District since 1989 and was further recognized in the national Martin Luther King Jr. Preservation District in 1992.
The sentiment among local leaders is clear: tearing down 148 Edgewood would mean destroying a piece of our shared history.
“Every building counts in a historic preservation district,” remarked Reginald Chapple, superintendent of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. “The more fabric that is lost makes it harder to see the story the built environment tells us about our shared past.”
In a domino effect of concerns, some preservationists believe that GSU’s actions could jeopardize Atlanta’s designation as a historic district centered on Martin Luther King Jr., especially following a trend of demolitions in the area.
Despite continued advocacy from various groups to halt the demolition, GSU has not shown signs of reversing its decision, resulting in claims that the university is overlooking community voices.
As a proud alumnus of GSU’s College of Urban Life (now the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies), I remain hopeful for a reconsideration of this decision.
I understand the urgency GSU feels in creating a plaza dedicated to the university’s 30 fraternities and sororities, which is policy-driven by the administration.
Yet, during a meeting I attended on August 8, GSU leaders acknowledged that there may be a middle ground.
Jared Abramson, GSU’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, stated that preserving 148 Edgewood doesn’t align with the university’s current interests, partly due to its limited size of 9,000 square feet.
However, he clarified that GSU initially had plans to establish the Fraternities and Sororities Life Center within the building until financial support could not be secured, despite acknowledging its historical value.
The university’s plan, focused on the plaza as a means to increase public green space, relies on dismantling 148 Edgewood.
But alternatives do exist.
Just adjacent to 148 Edgewood are university-owned and privately owned parking lots that could provide the necessary space for the proposed plaza without needing to demolish the historical building.
Preservationists argue that the decision to demolish goes against GSU’s earlier evaluations, which deemed the building “worthy of long-term preservation and investment.”
Michael Sanseviro, GSU’s vice president for student engagement, shared his struggles to secure funding for the renovation, which was projected to require nearly $12 million.
During our meeting, I asked if GSU had consulted with preservation advocates or potential funding sources for assistance.
Sanseviro admitted that he was not aware of any such efforts, raising questions about GSU’s commitment to finding solutions.
Meanwhile, the resolve from preservationists remains unshaken, with calls for collaboration intensifying.
Gene Kansas, a historic preservation developer active in the region, expressed optimism regarding potential solutions.
“The hope is there for Georgia State to explore creative opportunities to save 148 Edgewood, a key part of our neighborhood’s cultural and historic fabric,” Kansas stated, emphasizing the building’s potential role in storytelling through preservation.
As I walked through the proposed site after our meeting, new solutions crystallized in my mind.
Our city has ample resources, passion, and ideas for saving 148 Edgewood while allowing GSU to achieve its mission.
The university must listen to its constituents—students, alumni, and community leaders who have a vested interest in Atlanta’s preservation efforts.
Continuing this trajectory could lead to backlash and dissent from those who value historical integrity and community legacy.
In essence, it’s not just about a building; it’s about the stories it holds and the lives it has touched.
While GSU’s aspirations for modern development are important, they must not overshadow the significance of the past—or how that past can creatively intersect with future endeavors.
As I reflect on my own history of advocacy for preservation, dating back to my efforts to save the Fox Theatre in 1974, it’s clear that community engagement and innovative solutions can turn the tide in favor of preservation.
As we stand on the precipice of potential loss, we must remember that each structure contributes to the rich tapestry of urban culture and history.
Together, by championing the narrative of 148 Edgewood, we hold the power to protect both our past and our future.
image source from：saportareport
