On Monday, September 24, 2012, Atlanta City attorneys settled the lawsuit previously brought by the Georgia Tech Foundation (GTF) against the City of Atlanta and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).

This was done by the signing of a Consent Order just moments before the specially set trial was scheduled to begin.

As a result, the case WAS NOT HEARD by Fulton County Superior Court.  No evidence was presented from the BZA hearing that upheld the Office of Planning staff’s denial of the GTF’s Special Administrative Permit (SAP) or from any other source.

The Consent Order states:  “At its next regularly scheduled hearing, the BZA shall order . . . the Director of the Office of Planning to grant SAP-08-024 within 10 days of its hearing.”   (Click here to see a copy of the Consent Order.)

The BZA hearing will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012, beginning at 12:00PM in City Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. SW.

Issuance of the previously denied SAP application (which showed the Crum & Forster Building completely demolished) could allow the rapid application for and issuance of a demolition permit.
Please be aware that this situation is constantly changing and your attention and flexibility are vital.

The APC will continue to keep you advised of developments.

Shelia Pree Bright's "The Parcel: New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church"

The Atlanta Preservation Center (APC), with the generous support of curators Constance Lewis and Jerry Cullum, will present Re-Placing Atlanta from October 5 – November 9, 2012 in the Drawing Room Gallery at LP Grant Mansion, 327 St. Paul Avenue SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. Events during the exhibit include an Opening on Friday, October 5 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, an Artists’ Talk on Friday, October 19 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm and a Silent Auction & Raffle from October 5 – October 19. The event is sponsored by Artifacts.

Re-Placing Atlanta encourages a closer look at what is historically woven into a contemporary landscape and presents new or recontextualized work by Sheila Pree Bright, John Dean, Jody Fausett, “Panorama” Ray Herbert, David Knox, and Marcia Vaitsman. The curators challenged these well-known photographers to address issues related to, but somewhat outside, their previous subject matter. Their new works investigate the traces of the past in the present—a past that includes the largely forgotten archives of the late “Panorama” Ray, whose panoramic photographs form a point of departure.

John Dean's "Originals"

Ms. Bright has two images in the exhibit related to the New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church which is located in Buckhead and dates from 1872. The Parcel: New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church sets the simple architecture of the structure against a divided field of sky and trees. The Parcel: Cemetery is a panoramic collage of images of grave markers and sites from the historically black cemetery.

The Goodrum House at West Paces Ferry and Habersham Roads is the site of Jody Fausett’s contributions to the exhibition. Goodrum includes a taxidermy reference to the home’s nickname, the “Peacock House” and Stack of Drapesdocuments the home’s current state of renovation and includes an avian inhabitant. Both works exemplify the artist’s superb use of light.

Jody Fausett's "Goodrum"

David Knox's "Palisades"

David Knox’s Palisadesfocuses on Lemuel P. Grant’s contributions to Atlanta before and during the Civil War, most notably the railroads and fortifications to the City. The photo collage includes archival pigment prints on metal with glass, varnish, tar and oil. Mr. Knox’s blending of 19th, 20th and 21st Century techniques and images suits the subject matter beautifully.

Marcia Vaitsman brings an “outsider’s” eye to Atlanta’s landscape. This new resident uses Landscape of Trust: Permanence/Impermanence, Lanscape of Trust #1, Landscape of Trust #5  and Landscape of Trust, a site specific video installation, to examine the way the City constructs and dismantles itself. Ms. Vaitsman poses the question “what are the images we will choose, as a collective agreement, to convey in the future the idea of ‘Atlanta in 2012’?”

On Monday, September 24th, 2012, at 9:30 am, there will be a hearing before Judge John Goger of the Fulton County Superior Court. The subject of that hearing will be to determine if the Atlanta Board of Zoning Adjustment was correct in upholding the decision of the Bureau of Planning Staff to deny the Georgia Tech Foundation’s Special Administrative Permit application regarding theCrum & ForsterBuilding. If you would like to join otherAtlantaPreservationCenter members, the following provides information on how to get to Judge Goger’s courtroom and parking.

 FultonCountyJusticCenterTower

185 Central Avenue, SW

JusticeCenterTower

Suite T-8655 / Courtroom 8A

Atlanta,GA30303
The Fulton County Justice Center Tower at 185 Central Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 is the black-glass building on the corner of Central Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

DIRECTIONS:
From the west: I-20 East, exit Windsor/Spring Street. Proceed straight to Central Ave. Turn left onto Central Avenue, S.W. Turn left on M.L. King Jr. Drive. Parking decks are on the right.
From the east: I-20 West, exit Capitol Ave. Turn right onto Capitol Ave., S.W. Turn left onto Memorial Dr., S.W. Turn right onto Central Avenue, S.W. Turn left on M.L. King Jr. Drive. Parking decks are on the right.
From the north: I-75/85 South, exit M. L. King, Jr. Drive. Bear right onto M.L. King, Jr. Drive. Parking decks are on the right.
From the south: I-75/85 North, exit Fulton Street/Central Avenue. Bear left onto Central Avenue. Turn left on M.L. King Jr. Drive. Parking decks are on the right.

If you would like more detailed directions, go online to the Fulton Court Superior Court website.

Congratulation to the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Guided Walking Tour Guides tripadvisor recognizes your commitment!

tripadvisor, a large travel website with more than 50 million visitors monthly, now gives the “Recommended” recognition to the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Guided Walking Tours. This level is achieved only after a 3+ rating is achieved on the website.

Here is what two reviewers said:

“We took the walking tour of the Inman Park area of Atlanta. The guide was very knowledgeable about the various styles of architecture and also the history of the area. She gave us information about the people who started the community and their influence on the development of the area. If you like architechture, this tour is not to be missed.”

“Absolutely the best tours I’ve ever taken anywhere. 9 different tours to choose from. The guides are extraordinarily knowledgeable and enthusiastic.”

Thank you to our dedicated group of APC volunteers!

The fall finds the Grant Mansion full of activity! In addition to our day-to-day advocacy and education duties, there will be a book signing, an art exhibit, a day to visit Oakland and a wonderful party.

There is a lot that goes into hosting these special events and we would like for you to consider volunteering your time to help make it all happen.

Grant Mansion Work Day
Saturday, September 29, 2012
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The gardens need a trim, the new drive has a few weeds and the porches need a wash. Join us on Saturday with your yard gloves and trimmers. We will have coffee and pastries to fuel the morning and sandwiches for lunch.

We would love to see 20 folks here during the day. You are welcome to come for part of the day if this is the commitment your schedule allows.

We would like to get a relatively accurate count for lunch so, please let us know you are coming by emailing Carolyn@PreserveAtlanta.com or calling 404-688-3353 ext. 11. However, if you have not RSVPed and decide you would like to join us,

Be A Host with the Most
Saturday, September 22 – Friday, October 5 &/or Friday, October 19, 2012
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Like any good Southerner, the APC always greets a guest and offers. We could use your help saying “hello,” making sure that the Cokes stay cold, the nut dishes are refilled and all is tidy at the end of the evening

You just need to bring yourself to the Rich’s Book Signing, the Re-Placing Atlanta Opening or the Re-Placing Atlanta Artists’ Talk. We are looking for four volunteers for each of the three events

Please contact Carolyn McLaughlin, Events Coordinator at carolyn@PreserveAtlanta.com or 404-688-3353 ext. 11 to volunteer for this task.

“Talk Up” Preservation

Sunday in the Park at Oakland

Sunday, October 7, 2012

11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Would you like to talk about preservation while seeing the beauty of one of Atlanta’s great historic assets? APC will have a booth at Historic Oakland Foundation’s Sunday in the Park, its annual Victorian festival, to let folks know about the APC’s mission.

 You just need to bring yourself to this wonderful afternoon (if you have a Victorian costume that would be fun, too!).

APC needs 2 -4 volunteers to help set-up, man our booth and clean up.

Please contact Carolyn Stine McLaughlin, Events Coordinator at Carolyn@PreserveAtlanta.com  or 404-688-3353 ext. 11 to volunteer for this task.

Revel in the Art
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Friday
October 10 – November 9
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

We believe that Re-Placing Atlanta will bring many visitors to the Grant Mansion and we need help “gallery sitting.”

Bring yourself and we will give you all the tools you need to talk about the exhibit and get works sold during the Silent Auction from October 5 – October 19.

APC is needs one volunteer per day for the 15 days requested. Please contact Carolyn Stine McLaughlin, Events Coordinator at Carolyn@PreserveAtlanta.com or 404-688-3353 ext. 11 to volunteer for this task.

We hope to see you soon at the Grant Mansion as either a volunteer or guest!

The APC is delighted to be able to share the 1856 Grant Mansion with its members, supporters and the public. In September and October, APC will host five events where guests can enjoy a great book, great art and great company while supporting the organization. We hope to see you at one or all of these events!

Book Signing for Jeff Clemmons’ Rich’s: A Southern Institution
Saturday, September 22, 2012 – 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The APC is pleased to host a book signing for Rich’s: A Southern Institution by Jeff Clemmons. A dedicated APC member, Jeff created and leads walking tours of the Midtown/SoNo district for APC, and he serves on the board of CIRCA, APC’s auxiliary group. Books will be available for purchase at the signing.

Re-Placing Atlanta
October 5 – November 9, 2012
Friday, Oct 5, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Opening
Friday, Oct 5 – Friday, Oct 19 – Silent Auction
Friday, Oct 19, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Artists’ Talk

Curated by Constance Lewis and Jerry Cullum, Re-Placing Atlanta looks at what is historically woven into a contemporary landscape. The exhibit features photographic work by Sheila Pree Bright, John Dean, Jody Fausett, “Panorama” Ray Herbert, David Knox, and Marcia Vaitsman.
All exbited works besides those of Mr. Herbert are being created especially for this exhibition and the majority will be available for purchase through the auction. Through the generous donation of John and Katherine Dirga, a framed print by Mr. Herbert will be raffled. Thanks to Artifacts for its sponsorship of this exhibition!

A Toast to Atlanta honoring Beauchamp Carr
Thursday, Oct 11, 2012, 7:00 pm

The Atlanta Preservation Center will host A Toast to Atlanta honoring Beauchamp Carr, an essential supporter of culture and preservation in Atlanta. Guests will enjoy a cocktail supper compliments of Canoe and an evening at the 1856 Grant Mansion. Proceeds will support the work of the APC.

Invitations to this event will be mailed to members at the Building Block Level and above in early September. Tickets are $100 per person.

Date:Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Time: Gather at 6:30pm, tour starts at 6:45pm
Address: 1315 Peachtree Street,corner of 16th Streetand across from the HighMuseum (meet at the frontdoor on Peachtree Streetnext to MODA)

 
Please join CIRCA for a visit to Perkins+Will’s Atlantaoffice building, a record holder as the highest scoring LEED Platinum projectin North America.
From inhabitat.com: “1315 Peachtree was originally constructed in 1985 and the architecture firm Perkins+Will wanted to showcase the transformative power of sustainable design by incorporating building re-use and renovation.1315 reused, repurposed, recycled or otherwise diverted 80% (630 tons) of material from the building and old furniture and materials were salvaged and donated to local non-profits. Even cooler is that the project spawned the LifecycleBuilding Center, which is now a non-profit resource for repurposingsalvaged material for future work in the region.

“Exterior renovations included energy efficient exterior glazing, alterations to the front facade, a new 5th floor terrace for meetings and social events as well as a garden for employees to get down and dirty in. As for energy efficiency upgrades, the building makes use of natural daylighting, energy efficient lighting, lighting controls, passive sun shading on lower levels and an active, dynamic exterior sunshade on the building terrace level to control afternoon sunlight and heat gain. For climate control, the building uses raised flooring and a radiant heating and cooling system (the first of its kind in Atlanta), microturbines and an absorption chiller. Rainwater is collected in a 10,000 gallon cisternand used for landscape irrigation and low-flow toilets and urinals. Overall thebuilding’s carbon footprint is reduced by 68% and complies with the 2030 Challenge for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to LEED Platinum, the project is already a recipient of the Urban LandInstitute’s Development of Excellence Award.

“’We set out to make 1315 Peachtree a living model of sustainability and we have been inspired by the results so far,’” said Willard Lariscy, Perkins+Will Principal and Managing Director. ‘A95-point LEED Platinum Certification is another confirmation that we’ve accomplished our goals, but since it’s a living lab, we’ll continueto create new goals as we adapt to change and experiment with new ideas.’”

 
Parking: Free guest parking on lowerparking deck of the building, which is accessible off of 16th Street.

Map is available here.

Free for CIRCA members and first-time guests, $10 for returning visitors. Membership forms will be available.