The City of Atlanta announced that the Executive Director of the Atlanta Urban Decision Commission, the City’s historic preservation commission, has nominated properties and buildings in west Midtown for designation in the proposed Means Street Landmark District. This designation recognizes and allows the City to protect the historic, cultural and architectural significance of the buildings in the area. “This area has seen significant investment and a landmark designation will allow it to benefit from redevelopment premised on adaptive re-use of former industrial buildings and new structures built on a human scale,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “We have an opportunity here to promote redevelopment focused on neighborhood vitality and walkability, and to honor our city’s rich history.”

Included in the nominated properties is the building that housed the former Engineer’s Bookstore at the corner of Marietta and Means Streets. The Department of Planning and Community Development recently denied a demolition permit application because the application did not meet all applicable requirements.

In accordance with the City of Atlanta's Historic Preservation Ordinance, every impacted property owner was given notice and the AUDC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, beginning at 4 p.m. Thereafter, opportunity for additional public comment will occur before the Zoning Review Board prior to final City Council consideration and action.

The Reed Administration and the Department of Planning and Community Development remain committed to smart, sustainable growth throughout the city.