Have you ever wondered about the story behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign that lights up the Atlanta skyline? Right here, in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, stands the Olympia Building, a striking triangular structure that has witnessed the city’s transformation over the years. Built in 1936, it was a beacon of modern architecture during the Great Depression. This two-story building was designed by the architectural firm of Ivey and Crook, known for their exquisite Art Deco style. The Olympia Building had a unique name that came from its founder, Frank Hawkins, who had made a fortune investing in Olympia Beach, Florida. The site of the Olympia Building is steeped in history. In the mid-1840s, it was the site of Atlanta’s very first post office and general store, run by the city’s first postmaster, George Washington Collier. The building was later used as a popular shopping destination in the 1920s, but with the rise of the automobile, the pedestrian-oriented downtown declined. Then, in 1995, the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation gifted the Olympia Building to the state of Georgia just before the 1996 Summer Olympics. The building fell into disrepair, but a major restoration project began in 2015 to preserve its historic 1936 façade. Today, the Olympia Building houses a Walgreens, a far cry from its former life, but a reminder of the city’s rich history and its enduring legacy. The dazzling Coca-Cola sign remains a testament to its storied past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to