3 replies to this topic

[krazeeboi]

I just ran across some really interesting, insightful information about the history of the preservation movement in Atlanta. We often bemoan the architectural losses that the city has suffered through the years, and this gives some background information. I thought some of you guys would find it interesting as well.

[krazeeboi]

The article that I referenced above actually says that the city at one point was going to demolish the Fox Theater. Of course, I find that reprehensible today, but what condition was the theater in? Anyone know? I also didn't know that the establishment of MARTA had taken out so many historic structures. I wonder if that was the case in DC as well with Metro.

[j.midtown]

krazeeboi, on Feb 23 2009, 06:17 PM, said:

The article that I referenced above actually says that the city at one point was going to demolish the Fox Theater. Of course, I find that reprehensible today, but what condition was the theater in? Anyone know? I also didn't know that the establishment of MARTA had taken out so many historic structures. I wonder if that was the case in DC as well with Metro.

The theatre had been neglected and wasn't doing well, nor was the surrounding area. It wasn't the City, but rather the theatre ownership and AT&T/SouthernBell that wanted to demolish the Fox in order to use the land for their new regional headquarters complex. A group arose to fight the plans, including Mayor Maynard Jackson, and was eventually successful after a complicated deal was brokered.

You can read more from the links below:

Fox Theatre website: Save the Fox timeline
New Georgia Encyclopedia - Fox article
Hal Doby's Fox History  (former president of Friends of the Fox organization)
GPB - Fox 75th Special Transcript

[krazeeboi]

^Thanks for that information. The Fox would have been a great loss; I'm glad it didn't happen.