On November 6th students from the graduate program took a tour of Ponce City Market. This two-million square foot, adaptive re-use project is currently under construction and will include retail, residential and office spaces. The building was originally home to a Sears distribution center and showroom from 1926-1989. Highlights of the tour included an exploration of the historic narrative of the project, and how the developer, Jamestown Properties, hopes to preserve this Atlanta building by celebrating its iconic status. Students were able to ride in the original freight elevators, tour floors currently undergoing restoration, see first-hand the connection to the Atlanta Beltline, and experience the sweeping views from the roof. This tour complemented class explorations in the importance of historic narrative and meaning in the built environment, sustainability, construction technology, and mixed used development.
