Abrams Fixture Building, 523 Metropolitan Parkway

For this adaptive re-use project, we provided consulting and structural design to convert a 1920s steam engine factory into a dynamic new mixed-use development on the West End Beltline. The building received new steel reinforcing, stairs, and elevator shafts, as well as ramps, landings, exterior catwalks, egress passages, and rooftop decks. Skylights and floor openings were also added to the interior storefront corridors to increase the natural light in the building. Stability also assisted with interior and exterior architectural features including support of old metal flues and historic steel doors within the building. Design challenges included working with outdated construction methods and aging building structure, including stone foundation walls, water-damaged timber framing, and brick façade which required extensive repairs. The original exposed brick and timber were preserved, along with vintage signage and large factory windows. This historic company helped to usher in a new era of economic growth for the City of Atlanta. The finished development will include 8,000sf of restaurant space and 50,000sf of commercial loft space.