Shaq buys historic Midtown Atlanta property on Ponce

Shaquille O'Neal, legendary basketball icon, has bought a key piece of real estate at the edge of Midtown and Old Fourth Ward.

While many celebrities scoop up swanky houses and penthouse condos in the city, Shaq’s selection of a midcentury building with a chintzy green gingerbread-like roof seems an interesting choice.

According to WSB-TV, Shaq purchased the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Argonne avenues.

The iconic eatery opened back in 1965, just east of downtown Atlanta. While the neighborhood languished for years, many key developments along the avenue indicate a neighborhood in the upswing. With in-the-vicinity neighbors like Ponce City Market, 725 Ponce, and the Clermont Hotel, Shaq is in pretty good company.

There are no plans to modify the business right now, and the purchase doesn’t seem to be motivated by real estate speculation. Rather, the 7’-1" basketball star sees the business as an opportunity to share his love of doughnuts, and a small bit of happiness, with each dozen sold.

• Shaq becomes new owner of historic Atlanta Krispy Kreme store [WSB-TV]