Medical Arts Building

“Is that a ghost?” a child’s whisper echoed near the entrance of the Medical Arts Building. This grand, 12-story skyscraper has held a prominent place on Peachtree Street since 1927. The Medical Arts Building was the brainchild of four visionary doctors: Cliff Sauls, Grady E. Clay, James E. Paulin, and Malvern D. Huff. They envisioned a state-of-the-art medical hub. Architect G. Lloyd Preacher brought their vision to life. He designed a neoclassical masterpiece with clean lines, a decorative cornice, and elegant pilasters. The building’s steel frame is encased in concrete. The first two floors boast a limestone exterior. Buff brick adorns floors three through ten. The top two stories are also buff brick, crowned by a pressed-metal cornice. In its prime, the Medical Arts Building was a bustling center of activity. It housed a cafeteria, a telegraph office, and a drugstore. Inside, marble floors, a grand staircase with a decorative metal railing, and elegant elevator lobbies created an air of distinction. The Medical Arts Building was even one of the first buildings in Atlanta with a covered parking garage. This foreshadowed the growing importance of the automobile in the city’s future. Sadly, the Medical Arts Building has stood vacant since the mid-1990s. Various plans for its revitalization, including a boutique hotel, have fallen through. A fire in 2005 caused further damage. Despite these setbacks, the building’s potential remains. Its prime location near downtown and Midtown, along with ample parking, makes it an attractive prospect. In 2017, the Medical Arts Building’s facade was donated to Easements Atlanta. This ensures the preservation of its historic exterior during future renovations. The building’s story isn’t just about architecture and urban development. It’s also intertwined with local lore. Whispers of a ghost named Sally linger near the entrance. Some say she tells tales of medical experiments conducted within the building’s walls. Whether these stories are true or not, they add a layer of intrigue to the Medical Arts Building’s already rich history. Today, the Medical Arts Building stands as a testament to Atlanta’s past. It’s a reminder of a time when medical innovation and architectural grandeur converged on Peachtree Street.