DRC Votes to Oppose Demolition

Maria Saporta's AJC article lists the highlights from last night's DRC meeting.

Like every other neighborhood meeting at which Tech has presented its case, board and audience members expressed strong opposition to the proposed Crum & Forster demolition. Georgia Tech students, faculty, and alumni spoke eloquently and passionately, urging the Georgia Tech Foundation to save the historical building.

Notably, the director of Georgia Tech's architecture program, Ellen Dunham Jones, offered the resources of her school to help the GTF find other alternatives. Aaron Fowler, the Graduate President of Tech's student government, also urged the GTF to consider adaptive reuse, a core component of Tech's City Planning curriculum. I hope the irony of this isn't lost on anyone: the GTF's mission is to "assist the Georgia Institute of Technology in its role as a leading educational and research institution". When two leaders of that institute must use a public forum to urge the GTF to stop "assisting", something is very wrong! By not being open about their requirements for the space, the GTF is embarrassing itself, alienating the Midtown community and diminishing the academic reputation of the institute its mission it is to protect.

So the DRC will recommend to Atlanta's Planning Board not to issue the demolition permit. Will that recommendation be enough to save the Crum & Forster?

Contact Info for "Deciders"

These are the people who hold the most influence over the fate of the historic Crum & Forster building. Please write or call and tell them you believe 771 Spring St should be preserved.

Another Voice Speaks Out

Local attorney Michael Bishop urges AJC readers to preserve the Crum & Forster.

Remember to circle June 26th on your calendar. That's the date of the final review of Tech's application to destroy the building before the DRC at 999 Peachtree, Suite 145 (lobby level). The meeting will start at 5:30pm.

Good News and Bad News

First the good: the turnout for the NPU-E meeting last night (6/3) was good. As usual, there was strong opposition to the demolition expressed eloquently by many. After Tech made some opening remarks, those attending were asked to stand if they wished to preserve the building. Most of the room did, and then all but one of the board stood as well. It was a clear message to Georgia Tech.

But the bad news is that Tech is still intent on destroying the beautiful Crum & Forster building.

The next step is the final D.R.C meeting on Thursday, June 26 at 5:30pm. It will be held at 999 Peachtree, Suite 145 (lobby level).

After that, the application will be considered by the City of Atlanta's Bureau of Planning. Please let them hear your concerns.

Click here for more details from last night's meeting.