Whether it's a sign of progress or another example of Atlanta spitting in history's face is the subject of debate, but this much is clear: Developers have failed to uphold a promise to restore a historic Midtown building by prominent architect Neel Reid, opting instead to raze the dilapidated brick structure on 7th Street. One angry Curbed Atlanta reader opined in an email: "They did not even remove/save/protect the cornice around the entry. I'm sure another glass box filled with horribly laid out one-bedroom condos is much more suited for the site than a Neel Reid masterpiece."
Reid (1885-1926) was considered the most prestigious residential architect in Atlanta for several generations. "Owning a Neel Reid house, with its refinement of style," states the Georgia Encyclopedia, "was thought to be a mark of taste and social acceptability." Novare seemed to recognize the building's significance in a 2006 press release announcing ViewPoint, the 36-story tower next door. "Marrying old Atlanta and new, the project includes an historic Neel Reid building that will be preserved, converted into luxury residences and incorporated into the new development," the release states. Beginning next month, Novare plans to build a 24-story sister tower behind ViewPoint, with a parking deck at the corner of 7th and Juniper. The Reed building's fate has vexed many. A Midtown Development Review Committee expressed frustration "over not being better equipped in preventing building owners from allowing Midtown structures to fall in disrepair," Patch noted. We put the question to you: Is the Reed building's demolition shameful or necessary?
· 7th Street Building to be Demolished [Midtown Patch]
· Send in the Cranes: Midtown's Getting Another New Tower [Curbed Atlanta]
· Neel Reid [The New Georgia Encyclopedia]
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