Downtown’s The Candler Hotel renovation is (almost) ready for its close-up

Early 1900s Peachtree Street landmark was once Atlanta’s tallest building

By Josh Green@JoshGreen1234 Jun 25, 2019, 10:55am EDT

A photo of The storied structure, among newer neighbors. — The storied structure, among newer downtown neighbors.

Like the Flatiron and Art Deco, Coca-Cola-sign-topped Olympia buildings before it, another downtown Atlanta landmark near Woodruff Park has nearly completed its conversion into another purpose.

Built by Coca-Cola magnate Asa Griggs Candler as Atlanta’s first steel skyscraper, the Candler Building has stood over Peachtree Street and the northern edge of Woodruff Park since 1906.

The iconic, marble-clad structure of 17 stories held the title of Atlanta’s tallest building for 23 years. When it debuted, some observers viewed its location—several blocks north of Five Points, then the epicenter of Atlanta—as far removed from downtown.

The building’s new hotelier occupant insists it’s far removed from nothing, but rather the new epicenter of downtown.

Several years in the making, the National Register of Historic Places-listed building is scheduled to reopen in coming weeks as The Candler Hotel, the first Curio Collection by Hilton lodge in Atlanta.

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 building remained empty throughout 2017.

This week, hotel reps announced the hiring of executive team members to operate what they’re calling “one of the most anticipated Atlanta hotel openings in many years.”

This follows the announcement that Empire State South chef Hugh Acheson is opening a French restaurant called By George in the hotel this summer, as Eater Atlanta reports.

A rendering of forthcoming Hugh Acheson restaurant By George.

The hotel, managed by global real estate investment and hospitality company Highgate, will join more than 65 Curio Collection by Hilton properties around the world.

The building will also offer 6,000 square feet of meeting space, most of it with large windows overlooking downtown, officials noted.

A rep tells Curbed Atlanta the hotel should open in mid-July. The Candler will be taking reservations soon for arrivals starting July 29, she said.