The petition
With the intent of expanding Technology Square, the Georgia Tech Foundation recently purchased the widely admired Crum & Forster Building located at 771 Spring Street. Hailed as "one of the finest of its kind in the South" the building was completed in summer of 1928. Designed by Helme, Corbett, and Harrison in association with Atlanta architects Ivey and Crook, the Crum and Forster Building not only greatly contributes to the aesthetics of Spring Street’s Eastern elevation, but is also among the few remaining classically designed historic buildings in Midtown. The building's history and architectural significance have been documented in significant publications: Atlanta Urban Design Commission’s Atlanta Historic Resources Workbook (1981), Atlanta's Lasting Landmarks (1987), Lewis Edmund Crook, Jr. "A Twentieth-Century Traditionalist In The Deep South” (1984) and The American Institute of Architects Guide to Atlanta (1992).
The current proposal calls for the demolition of the building to accommodate 15 foot sidewalks and streetscape “improvements” (the building is 13’-9” from the curb on the side street, and 35’-0” from Spring street). The site of the building is to replaced with grass.
If anyone would like to voice their concerns in this matter please sign the attached petition, and better yet attend the public meetings listed below:
May 20, 2008 – 7pm – Midtown Land Use Committee
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (corner of Fourth and Peachtree)
If you cannot attend, yet would like to voice your concerns over this matter please contact the director of the land use committee, Tony Rizzuto at tony7957@bellsouth.net
June 3, 2008 – 6pm - NPU E meeting
Peachtree Christian Church
If you cannot attend, yet would like to voice your concerns over this matter please contact the director of NPU E, Penelope Cheroff at pcheroff@cheroffgroup.com , 404-892-0229
Thursday, June 26, 2008 – 5:30 pm - D.R.C. Final Hearing (999 Peachtree St., Ste. 145- Main Level)
While we recognize the important role the Georgia Tech Foundation plays in the continued success and growth of the Georgia Institute of Technology, we the undersigned strongly urge the Foundation and the Institute to consider viable alternatives to demolition for the historic and architecturally valuable "Crum & Forster Building" located at 771 Spring Street. To demolish such a structure would be contrary to the ideals of urban design and sustainability that the Institute is pursuing as an academic leader, a Midtown community member, and a regional influence and would be historically, architecturally, and environmentally irresponsible.
Sign the petition
Fields marked * are required.