[radiox]

From today's AJC.
Personally I would hate to see these buildings go and be replaced with new condos. I would be disappointed to see more affordable housing lost in Midtown in the name of progress and I would hate to see these early 1900 buildings razed for new and probably generic construction.
Article below:


Plan to raze apartments, build condos draws fire
70-unit building would overlook Piedmont Park

By DAVID PENDERED
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


The planned demolition of two aged apartment buildings to make way for a condominium next to Piedmont Park in Midtown has riled the buildings' residents and historic preservationists who intend to fight the teardown.

Atlanta approved plans for the four-story condo this month, including some variances to zoning ordinances that were designed specifically for Midtown. The 70-unit building would be located at Piedmont Avenue and 12th Street.

Residents say their apartments serve them well and are very affordable, with monthly rents in the range of $600 to $800. Some have joined a letter-writing campaign in hopes of raising support for the buildings, which date back to the early 1900s.

"In destroying this building, you would be destroying a sense of community in the area, a sense of community that is dwindling with every overpriced condo in the area that's been put into place," wrote resident Shauna Newman.

The Atlanta Preservation Center plans to appeal to a city review board on behalf of neighbors who oppose the demolition. The buildings are not on any historic registry and thus aren't protected from removal.

"We would like to see the owner rehabilitate the buildings rather than replacing them with something new," said Boyd Coons, executive director of the preservation center. "Historic buildings are irreplaceable and contribute to the richness of the neighborhood."

A planner with the Midtown Alliance said the developers modified plans to meet recommendations of a city advisory committee that reviews Midtown projects. Coro Realty Advisors and Highlands Companies tried to make sure that details of the new building, such as windowsills and the type of bricks, fit into the neighborhood, said Will Herbig, the alliance's planner who coordinates the committee.

"In addition, this project does put more density into the area . . . and every time we get more density, we get closer to our goal of creating this dynamic urban area that we all envision," Herbig said.

[Chris Creech]

I kinda hate that they're using the "density" mantra to trump historic preservation. Density isn't parcel by parcel, it's an overall area measure that allows for a variety of uses and sizes to mix. I know the chant in midtown these days is "density, density, density" but city planners need to realize that there are actually some good things worth keeping - aren't there enough vacant lots to build on?

You have to take in a number of considerations in any growing area, and historic preservation is certainly one. Atlanta has an absolutely horrible track record with historic preservation; going way back and including Mayor Young's famous "Tear down the Hunks of Junk, I like new and shiny" speech. Aside from a few planters and maintenance buildings, you would never even know any of the architectural legacy of the Cotton States Exposition at Piedmont Park.

They type of old apartment building these represent are a vanishing breed that used to be all around Piedmont Park.

However, the developer has the right to make a profit. If they're going to be maintained as an historic property they may need significant renovation and maintaining "reasonable rents" is hardly much of an incentive for the developer.

Maybe the city should do more with development incentives and tax breaks to make these properties more viable to maintain and preserve. There is still the perception in Atlanta that any sort of historic designation is an onerous burden with few if any benefits.