Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein

The Muse's Block Loft Apartments

Atlanta, Georgia

One of the best-known structures in the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, the Muse's Building has stood at the corner of Peachtree and Walton Streets since 1921. The building, which faces the newly renovated Woodruff Park, was designed by the firm of Hentz, Reid, and Adler and has served as the headquarters for the Muse's clothing firm until 1991.

Loft apartments now occupy the upper floors, and the lower floors are retail shops. The ornate exterior of the seven-story building was restored to its 1920s appearance, with care taken to preserve the decorative elements that grace the facades. All of the large, double hung windows were refurbished to allow plenty of daylight and maximize views of Atlanta's skyline. Inside most of the units the original plaster, mouldings, and maple floors remain.

The restoration effort included not only the Muse's Building, but also the six adjacent buildings. Constructed from 1874 to 1882, the complete block is among the oldest continually occupied retail space in Atlanta. The exteriors of the buildings were uncovered and restored with new storefronts and windows installed to re-create their original appearance.

The project houses a total of 65 loft apartments and 12 retail spaces.

Client: Winter Properties, Inc.

Completion: 1996

Awards:
   Georgia Trust, Outstanding Rehabilitation, 1997
   Atlanta Urban Design, Award of Excellence for Adaptive Use, 1997
   American Institute of Architects, Georgia Chapter Award of Excellence, 1998

Publication: Residential Architect, January, 2000

All Images © Gabriel Benzur Photography