Originally built in 1906 by Coca-Cola founder Asa Griggs Candler, The Candler Building was transformed into a stylish, modern-day hotel that reimagines and reinvents this iconic Downtown Atlanta landmark. The conversion of a century-old office building into a modern luxury hotel required the design team to overcome challenges inherent to the time period’s construction, including the building’s steel and terra cotta structure and the layout of the original floorplans. Special care was taken to ensure critical components of the original architectural were preserved and incorporated into the final design. The marquee feature of the property is the three-story central grand stair and its ornate marble portrait reliefs which was a challenge to maintain as a focal point. Additional elements of the property that were incorporated in the final design included the mahogany elevator cab interiors, brass mail chutes, mosaic tile floors, elevator lobby floors, chandeliers, and windowsills and trim where applicable.
From Icon to Incredible Thanks to Design-Build Integration
From the earliest planning studies through the opening day celebration, the team had to remain flexible and responsive to the requirements of the client, unforeseen conditions within a 100+ year old building, and design changes either in response to these conditions or requested by the owner. The close working relationship of the integrated team was integral to the success of the project. With scarce and incomplete original drawings, the team began the design process with multiple inspections, as-built measurements, and made a high-resolution laser scan of the building. These steps provided a Building Information Model that captured an accurate 3D representation of the structure. This adaptive reuse project also helps preserve the city’s history, lower the energy usage needed to produce new construction materials, and limits the effects of construction waste on the environment.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | R.E.M. Associates, L.P. |
| Design-Build Firm: | The Beck Group |
| Engineer: | Stanley D. Lindsey & Associates |
| Specialty Contractors: | Faith Technologies, Inc., Gabler Youngston, Jordan & Skala Engineers, McKenney’s Inc., NicoleHollis |
| Owner Advisor: | Development Services Group, Inc. |
| Construction Duration: | 17 Months |
| Project Cost: | $41,684,141.00 |
