Georgia State University (GSU) is facing significant backlash as it announces plans to demolish the historic building located at 148 Edgewood Ave., originally built in 1926.
This decision has drawn comparisons to a previous controversy regarding the preservation of the Bell buildings on the GSU campus.
In 2014, the university had initially aimed to demolish the Bell buildings to transform the area into a parking lot, but a robust public campaign ultimately led to the renovation of these historic structures.
Now, with the announcement to tear down 148 Edgewood and convert the site into a Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza, preservation advocates are once again rallying to save an important piece of Atlanta’s history.
The building has been a contributing structure to the City of Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District since 1989.
In 1992, it was included in the national Martin Luther King Jr. Preservation District, and a recent evaluation by the state’s Historic Preservation Division determined the building eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2024.
Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed strong opposition to GSU’s demolition plans.
In a letter to GSU President Brian Blake, Mitchell stated that demolishing 148 Edgewood would be especially egregious, considering its sound condition and GSU’s lack of serious consideration for adaptive reuse of the structure.
Mitchell pointed out that GSU’s previous commitment to preserving the historic Bell buildings serves as a precedent for honoring the broader history of the campus while creating space for modern educational resources.
Kyle Kessler, a historic preservationist and architect associated with the Center for Civic Innovation, emphasized that the 148 Edgewood building holds even more reasons for preservation than the Bell buildings.
Notably, the Bell buildings had suffered from roof issues and water damage, while 148 Edgewood is recognized for its historic value with local and national designations.
Kessler noted that it should be a clear conclusion that the historic building needs to be saved.
Echoing sentiments of the earlier campaign to protect the Bell buildings, Kessler has initiated a Change.org petition to save 148 Edgewood, which has already garnered over 1,170 signatures.
Moreover, demolishing 148 Edgewood could jeopardize the status of the adjacent King historic district, where nearly half of the area’s contributing buildings have already been lost.
David Mitchell, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center, warned that the destruction of such a contributing structure could threaten the entire district’s recognized status.
He stressed the importance of preserving what remains and criticized GSU for failing to justify its demolition decision.
Both Mitchell and Kessler highlighted that GSU owns numerous vacant properties and surface parking lots in the vicinity, which could be converted into a plaza for Greek life instead of demolishing a historic structure.
The restoration of the Bell buildings has demonstrated that GSU has the capacity to honor Atlanta’s history while creating modern academic resources.
Despite a public presentation of GSU’s plans for the property on May 28, attendees felt that it did not fulfill the requirements of a public hearing, a crucial step before any potential demolition can proceed.
As 148 Edgewood is owned by the state, GSU may be able to move forward with its demolition plans.
However, as an urban university, GSU bears a greater responsibility to positively impact its neighborhood and the urban environment of Atlanta.
As an alumna of GSU with a master’s in urban studies, I believe that the university has the intention to be an asset to Atlanta’s central city, as shown by its previous success with the Bell buildings.
While GSU may have the legal right to demolish 148 Edgewood, it does not make it a morally or ethically sound decision.
David Mitchell has expressed optimism that GSU will recognize the significance of the 148 Edgewood building and include it in its master plan rather than demolishing it.
For those interested in advocating for the preservation of 148 Edgewood, a Change.org petition is available for signing.
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