Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the designation of the Fuller-Freedom House as a City of Atlanta Landmark Building / Site—the highest level of protection under the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. The property—located at 556 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312—is well-known as a “Freedom House.” These houses hold a particular significance due to their role in the Civil Rights Movement when they served as an unofficial headquarters for the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee—better known as SNCC.

“The Fuller-Freedom House was a place of refuge, rest and nourishment for many SNCC members—including Congressman John Lewis, Stokely Carmichael and my aunt Ruby Doris Smith Robinson,” said Mayor Bottoms. “This Landmark designation will protect not only the property, but Atlanta’s legacy of leading on voting and civil rights in America.”

The City of Atlanta Historic Preservation Ordinance, one of the oldest in the State of Georgia, allows the City of Atlanta to protect historically significant places and spaces from incompatible alterations and demolition allowing their story to continue to be told to future generations of Atlantans and visitors alike. 

This designation is part of the City’s effort to expand what is considered historically significant by the City of Atlanta, which is one of the goals of the City’s recently completed comprehensive historic preservation plan – called the “Future Places Project.”

The City of Atlanta partnered with the Honoré Family—the current owner of the property—on the designation. 

“The Fuller-Freedom House is a great example of nationally significant places located in our beloved Atlanta neighborhoods,” said Mrs. Cori Honoré. “The Fuller-Freedom House represents the work of the significant, but relatively unknown Fuller Family, who championed religious growth and education opportunities for African Americans in the Southeast. Our partnership with the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning is a great way to share the story of this property with the rest of the city.”

“Within the City of Atlanta, the buildings, places, and spaces associated with the Civil Rights Movement are equally diverse,” said Department of City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane. “Some have visitors from around the world, while others might be walked by without much notice—even if they are around the block from each other. Each hold significance, and the City is proud to expand our Futures Places Project with this new designation.”