Photos: Downtown’s historic, renovated Candler Hotel opens—and it’s gorgeous

Generally speaking, preservations of Atlanta have had a rough go of things throughout modern history, but a reimagined downtown landmark has opened that could lend proof—nay, further proof—that the city has turned a corner, in terms of embracing its architectural past.

Recent years have seen downtown’s Flatiron and the Art Deco, Coca-Cola-sign-topped Olympia buildings refurbished and reborn with new uses along Peachtree Street.

Officially joining those landmarks at the cusp of Woodruff Park this week is The Candler Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, where a renovation years in the making aimed to retain the Beaux-Arts style building’s timeless design while “heralding a new era of grandeur” for Atlanta, according to project leaders.

Built by Coca-Cola magnate and former mayor Asa Griggs Candler as Atlanta’s first steel skyscraper, the iconic, marble-clad Candler Building has stood over Peachtree Street and the northern edge of the park since 1906. It held the title of Atlanta’s tallest building for 23 years.

Plans emerged for converting the former office tower to a hotel in 2016, and office tenants were swiftly moved out.

The project stalled, however, and the National Register of Historic Places-listed building remained empty throughout 2017.

Following the transformation, Hilton reps are calling the 265-room property “majestic” and and a fusion of “style, comfort, charm, and Southern hospitality.”

Inside and out, many of the building’s original Beaux-Arts, Gothic, and Renaissance-style architectural details were brushed up and preserved.

The property also includes By George, an elegant all-day French eatery by chef Hugh Acheson—of Empire State South fame—in what was once the Central Bank and Trust, as our sister site Eater Atlanta chronicled this week.

Jenna Hackett, a Curio Collection by Hilton global head, praised the new lodge’s location as being centralized and Atlanta itself as “one of the most innovative and diverse cities in the U.S.,” per a company announcement.

Room rates for a single king bed begin around $270 per night in coming days. One package being offered as part of the opening celebration includes breakfast for two and—appropriately—two “signature Coca-Cola floats.”