Historic Candler Building’s conversion to downtown hotel is back underway

The conversion of one of downtown’s oldest office towers into a boutique hotel is back on track, following two years of uncertainty.

Construction crews have commenced interior demolition at the Candler Building, which lords over Peachtree Street at the northern edge of Woodruff Park. Permits were issued last month for work on what’s tentatively called the Candler Hotel.

Plans emerged for the renovation nearly two years ago, and office tenants moved out in early 2016 to allow the conversion to begin. However, the project soon stalled and the iconic marble-clad building remained empty through last year.

Initially, the hotel was announced as a Curio Collection by Hilton, slated to open late last year. It’s unclear if the resuscitated project will remain a Hilton property.

As first announced, the ornate office building with grand marble stairs in an intricately detailed lobby was slated to contain 265 hotel rooms.

Permit filings indicate the adjacent two-story buildings will be used as an annex to the hotel.

Tracy O’Neal via GSU Library

First opened in 1906, the structure was built by Asa Griggs Candler, founder of Coca-Cola, who would go on to become mayor of Atlanta.

Upon its debut, the Candler Building was the tallest in the city, and it retained that title for 23 years. At the time, some observers viewed its location—several blocks north of Five Points, then the epicenter of Atlanta—as far removed from downtown.

We’ve reached out to an official associated with the project for more information about the plans and will provide updates if they come.

• Candler Building to Become Boutique Hotel [Curbed Atlanta]