Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning’s Historic Preservation Studio and the Urban Design Commission have begun the designation of the Atlanta Eagle building as a Landmark Building/Site. For more than three decades, the Atlanta Eagle (located at 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) has been an integral part of Atlanta’s cultural and social landscape, including its role in helping to create beneficial policy changes and cultural improvements between the LGBTQ community and City of Atlanta.

“Businesses are feeling the devastating effects of COVID-19 this year, including LGBTQ-owned small businesses,” said Mayor Bottoms. “This has led to LGBTQ-owned businesses around the country closing their doors. The Atlanta Eagle has a rich history and is a beloved place for so many people in Atlanta and across the world.”

The bar is also one of the Southeast's most famous LGBTQ social establishments and has hosted legendary drag performers like Ru Paul and Lady Bunny that promote LGBTQ equality and HIV/AIDS education. By applying this Landmark Building/Site designation, the property cannot be demolished or have changes made to the exterior without written approval from the Urban Design Commission. This designation will ensure the iconic Midtown bar remains a cultural and historic LGBTQ fixture in Atlanta.

In 2009, the Atlanta Police Department (APD) raided the Atlanta Eagle. Using this moment as a catalyst for change, APD quickly appointed LGBTQ community liaisons, updated their trainings and standard operating procedures with LGBTQ constituents and enhanced overall engagement with the LGBTQ community.

“Many have called the Atlanta Eagle home over the last three decades,” said Atlanta Eagle owner Richard Ramey. “I am grateful to Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the City of Atlanta for ensuring that many more can call it home in the years to come.”

Recently, the Bottoms Administration achieved the City of Atlanta’s eighth consecutive perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Mayor Bottoms has prioritized LGBTQ affairs since taking office—including the appointment of the City’s first Director of LGBTQ Affairs, expanding access to PrEP, the creation of adiverse LGBTQ advisory board, and leveraging resources to provide funding for trans housing.

Mayor Bottoms and the City of Atlanta thank the preservation advocates at Historic Atlanta, as well as all who have advocated for this landmark designation.