Date of Submission
Spring 5-7-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Ermal Shpuza
Abstract
The Atlanta Journal Constitution Building and its block is located in arguably the most historically significant area to Atlanta: The Gulch. Being so close to the original Zero Milepost location, this is where the City of Atlanta was founded. The Gulch started out as the center of downtown’s business district, but has since steadily declined in popularity, initially triggered by people moving out to suburban homes
Even after multiple attempts to revive the area, it proved unsuccessful. This is best illustrated by the fact that the city lost money on the property even during big events like the 1996 Olympics and the premier of Gone With the Wind. The area is currently owned by a Los-Angeles developer called CIM Group which has promised the most recent redevelopment of the area. Sadly, this includes the demolition of the AJC Building.
Incidentally, in the past few years, the Georgia Department of Transportation dedicated a research team to initiate the process of adding a High Speed Rail (HSR) System connecting Atlanta to Chattanooga. After a thorough environmental analysis, the team concluded that the preferred route for this proposed infrastructure is along highway I-75, and passing under downtown Atlanta, with a downtown station location not yet determined.
That being said, as an alternative to demolishing the building, this thesis project proposes converting the AJC Building and the block it sits on into a Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT). This would provide improved public transportation where travelers will no longer have to rely only on the overutilized car, expensive air travel, and the inefficient bus ride. As passengers come through and it becomes an attractive area for businesses, there will be much higher pedestrian activity as this becomes a city hub and an essential resource to this currently underserved area.