Assignment 3: Sarah Kurtz

Many areas throughout Atlanta have been subject to business collapse and economic downfall. Commercial buildings frequently change ownership through the years, forcing business possessors to adapt to already built establishments. The need for new construction is not only unfeasible; it also uses resources and space which are already in danger. I traveled through different areas of Atlanta, trying to find buildings which had been converted into other uses, with obvious signs of the original construction details.

The Dump, a furniture store located on Sidney Marcus Boulevard, is housed in a recycled commercial building. Originally, a Home Depot was built on the property during the late 90’s. In 2006, the area was reestablished and built up. The Home Depot was moved across the street to a new location and the Dump moved into the current building soon after. There are still remnants of Home Depot within the structure, such as ceiling arrangement and materials. The façade does not contain any signs of the old business, except for the outlining structural skeleton.

LA Fitness, a public gym located at La Vista and North Druid Hills Road, has been in its present building since the early 90’s. Previously, the establishment was designed for a Harris Teeters grocery store. No traces of a grocery store are present internally, but the exterior of the building still contains signs of a typical grocery store layout. The historic façade and awning have not been changed or updated, which is a significant sign of the past tenants.

Along Buford Highway, many buildings have been converted into other businesses or are abandoned. The Panda House is one of these examples. The building was originally built for a Wendy’s. The only design aspect which has been changed on the exterior structure over the years is paint color and business logo. The skeleton of the building still houses some major features of the Wendy’s, such as the entrances and windows’ structure and materials. The street sign clearly displays the Panda House’s name, along with the previous tenants, China Panda. Currently, the restaurant is vacant.