Open House Atlanta Invites Visitors to Explore Midtown’s Historic Buildings
Citywide festival Oct. 19-20 offers a chance to see inside architectural gems
Published: 10/3/19
Get an exclusive glimpse of some of the city’s new and historical buildings during the third annual Open House Atlanta. On Oct. 19 and 20, visitors will be able to explore 50 sites in Midtown, Downtown, along the Eastside Beltline Trail and on the West End for free as part of a worldwide movement dedicated to promoting appreciation of our built environment and how it affects the way we live, work and play.
Half of the festival sites will be located in Midtown, showcasing various periods in Midtown’s history as well as a blend of our district’s innovative offices, urban residential living, arts, culture and sacred spaces. Many fan favorites are returning from last year, such as Colony Square’s helipad tour, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Ponce Condominiums.
This year’s line up, however, also introduces over 20 sites that have never participated before. Midtown highlights include: guided tours at the Perkins and Will office, which set a new standard for sustainable design when the company relocated in 2010; insider-access to the Peachtree Club and gorgeous skyline views from the outdoor terrace; Peachtree Christian Church and its world-renowned stained glass collection; plus an exciting sampling of Midtown’s newest high-rise residential buildings.
Outside of Midtown, attendees will have the opportunity to visit some of Atlanta’s most important cultural assets in Sweet Auburn, discuss good urbanism and the future of our City at Atlanta City Studio and Atlanta BeltLine Center/Atlanta Land Trust, take a hardhat tour of the historic Excelsior Mill, and so much more.
“Open House Atlanta celebrates some of the many buildings and places that contribute to Atlanta’s unique identity,” said program manager for urban design and placemaking Lauren Bohn, who represents Midtown Alliance on the OHAtl organizing committee. “Furthermore, the festival empowers the wider community to join an informed conversation about how architecture and well-designed public spaces sustain a collective vision for our City.
The Open House movement was founded in London in 1992 and now takes place in 30 cities worldwide. Although the Atlanta festival is relatively new, the organizing committee is optimistic that this event will become as hugely popular as it is in other cities. Data from previous years suggest growing momentum: last year’s event drew over 5,000 visits from across the Atlanta region as well as national and international attendees, including visitors from 9 countries outside of the US. Out of town guests even traveled to participate as volunteers, including a Macon couple who discovered the festival in 2017 while in town for a Georgia Tech game, and one man from New York who plans his vacation and travel schedule to coincide with Open House festivals in cities around the world. This year’s festival promises another unforgettable weekend.
Interior of the Peachtree Lofts, constructed in 1952.
How to Make the Most of Open House Atlanta
Use the OHATL website to find the most up-to-date information and plan your itinerary.
Participating landmarks span across Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward and the Westside of Atlanta. Not every site has the same open hours and some may require reservations. You’ll get an event map at check-in, but the Open House Atlanta website is your best resource for the most up-to-date information.
Check out some Midtown shops and restaurants.
Make a day of it and incorporate local restaurants and shopping as part of your Open House Atlanta experience.
Consider multiple transit options.
Think outside the car: consider using MARTA, ride-sharing services, Relay bikes or scooters get to your destinations more efficiently. One of OH Atlanta’s guiding principles is to organize clusters of sites along MARTA and the BeltLine to the extent possible in order to maximize walkability and accessibility.
Follow along on social media with #OHATL.
Be part of the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Find food and entertainment recommendations or share your favorite Open House Atlanta sites and photos using the hashtag #OHAT.
Volunteer
If you have an interest in design and Atlanta architecture, consider volunteering for the event. In addition to sharing your passion for great design with other Atlantans, you’ll receive an Open House Atlanta t-shirt to commemorate your participation. Sign up to volunteer on the OHATL website.
Use the IN*MidtownATL app to accompany your self-guided tour of Midtown.
Before you set off to explore Midtown’s architectural wonders, download the IN*MidtownATL app from iTunes or the Google Play store. Use the Discoveries section to find nearby architecture, public art, and historical points of interest that will add to your Open House Midtown experience.
Sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects, in partnership with Central Atlanta Progress and Midtown Alliance, the Open House Atlanta festival is part of a larger network of Open House events that promotes education and appreciation of design and architecture across the globe.
The Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum, one of 25 sites you can see in Midtown during Open House Atlanta 2019.
