From 1911 to 1972, Atlanta’s two-story, red brick Highland School welcomed thousands of children through its doors (before, above). In 2003, StreetSide Developers purchased the structure from the Atlanta Public School System intending to adapt the building to accommodate 30 condominium lofts. Smith-Dalia  Architects was hired to oversee the transformation (after, right). 

Since that time, however, the Edward Dougherty-designed building was mostly used as office space, with wood floors covered by vinyl and carpeting, doors replaced and plaster concealed by suspended ceilings. 

Project developers made every effort to retain existing circulation patterns, stairways and materials, while accommodating the functional requirements of the loft project. The interior spaces were divided according to classroom configurations, and the site design retained most of the existing mature green space, with some allowance for future residents’ private terraces.

Read more about the Highland School Lofts Excellence in Rehabilitation Preservation Award