In historic Buckhead district, demolitions have been eradicated—for now

Historic homes in sought-after neighborhoods have had it rough in Atlanta’s post-recession building boom, as older properties have been purchased and demolished to make way for new construction.

But, the practice has been halted—at least temporarily—in one of Buckhead's grandest old neighborhoods: Tuxedo Park.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Atlanta City Council has imposed a moratorium on the demolition of homes in the National Register-listed neighborhood. Citing construction that is incongruous with the scale and design of surrounding historic properties, the measure passed unanimously.

The move comes after last year’s high-profile demolition of the Maddox House, designed by noted classicist Philip Trammell Shutze. It’s believed to be the first demo of a Shutze house—ever.

The moratorium will remain in effect for six months, as the city reviews their policies for construction in the area, in an attempt to establish proper design guidelines.

Contributed photo by Jonathan LaCrosse

While the moratorium is good news for those hoping to protect what's left of the neighborhood, Tuxedo Park isn’t the only threatened neighborhood. Lately, demolitions have been reshaping Ansley Park, located next to Midtown.

With the precedent set in Tuxedo Park, could other listed historic districts soon get the same treatment?

• Atlanta City Council OKs building moratorium for Tuxedo Park [Atlanta Business Chronicle]
• Local Architect Laments Loss of Historic Buckhead House [Curbed Atlanta]