Photos: Exploring Westin Peachtree Plaza, an Atlanta Icon

One of Atlanta's most recognizable skyscrapers is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, and for those who haven't been — or haven't been lately — this cylindrical architectural marvel remains a sight to behold.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza is still the 17th tallest all-hotel structure in the world. Once a giant on the downtown skyline, this John Portman icon has watched Atlanta's commercial districts spring up all around it. It survived a tornado's wallop eight years ago (requiring that all 6,300 windows be replaced), and underwent a $70-million spruce-up a few years later.

So, with this being a milestone year, it seemed an opportune time to lug in cameras and capture the Westin Peachtree Plaza as it stands today. Going up ...

• Westin Peachtree Plaza GM Talks Building at 40 [Curbed]
• More tantalizing Visual Journeys around Atlanta [Curbed]