Update: December 2019

In late 2019, the National Park Service returned the Atlanta Public Library National Register nomination for "substantive issues" related to the ongoing renovations that began over the summer. In her letter, National Register historian Lisa Deline explained that "In order for NPS to determine eligibility, a property must retain historic integrity. Retention of specific aspects of integrity is paramount for a property to convey its significance. Since the property is currently undergoing rehabilitation and alterations, we cannot at this time, make an eligibility determination until the project is completed."

A nomination can be resubmitted, but would have to show that "despite the 2019 alterations, the property retains sufficient architectural significance as ‘an excellent example of the Brutalist style...and as an excellent example of the work of master architect Marcel Breuer."

"Renovations jeopardize downtown library’s shot at making National Register of Historic Places," Curbed Atlanta, December 19, 2019.

"Marcel Breuer's iconic Atlanta Central Libary denied historic designation," The Architect's Newspaper, December 20, 2019.

August 24, 2018

The Atlanta Fulton Central Library was unanimously nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and listed on the Georgia Register of Historic Places by the Georgia National Register Review Board. It will now be sent to the National Park Service for listing on the National Register. Fulton County spoke in opposition to the nomination.

The nomination was prepared by Big RIG and sponsored by Downtown Atlanta (Central Atlanta Progress), Atlanta Preservation Center, Docomomo US/Georgia, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Architecture and Design Center, Historic Atlanta, and Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association. The nomination also received the unanimous support of the Atlanta City Council and the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.

You can read the summary of the nomination here.

Atlanta’s Central Library is currently closed for extensive renovations. Renovation plans include extensive changes to the library’s interior and removing panels of the facade to create new windows.

Docomomo US and the Georgia chapter will continue to monitor the updates.

 

Read more

WABE | July 2, 2018

As Renovations Begin, Fate Of Central Library’s Facade Still Unclear