[Photos by Blake Burton.]
Curbed is very pleased to present the first in a series of posts documenting- in photos- the renovation of the Ponce City Market. Your guide is Atlanta architect and photographer Blake Burton, who has been granted access to photograph the property and building throughout the renovation process by its owner, Jamestown Properties.
The renovation of Ponce City Market (formerly Sears Roebuck & Co., and City Hall East) is one of the most significant projects for Atlanta in recent memory. This massive, 2 million square-foot building has been a landmark on Ponce de Leon Avenue for decades. Built during a time when industrial architecture wasn't just about getting the most square footage at minimum cost, it is often overlooked when it comes to the architectural heritage of Atlanta. With the vision of Jamestown Properties & Green Street Properties, almost all of the original character & details of the building will be preserved, while once again becoming a hub of activity in the Old Fourth Ward. As an architect, I am thrilled to see such a large adaptive re-use project here in town, especially since most of Atlanta's historic buildings have met the wrecking ball over the years. As a photographer, the opportunity to document the renovation of this project was a dream come true. I began taking photos before demolition work began, and will continue to visit until completion. The removal of the parking deck has been the most noticeable change, as it has revealed some of the western facade that had been covered up for decades. Inside, the place has been completely cleared out. All partitions and drop ceilings are gone, and now we can see what the original building looked like. A forest of columns, soaring ceilings, and giant industrial windows everywhere you look. It's a promising start to an ambitious project, and I am thrilled to be able to document it with my camera.
-Blake Burton