By John Ruch
Historic preservation and the real estate industry are often at cross purposes, especially here in Atlanta, as I’ve written about many times and will many times more.
But there are also moments of connection, like the new “Atlanta Legacy Trail” digital project created by the local division of the national company Compass Real Estate in partnership with SCAD students and the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC). It currently features galleries and information about 10 historic properties across the metro area, with unlimited room to grow.
Showcasing a disparate selection of buildings that are not actually connected by a trail, the project has the flavor and approach of the real estate marketing device it fundamentally is. But it is also a sincere effort at prioritizing history and relationship-building of a sort the APC said is crucial in an era of rampant development and loss.
APC Executive Director David Yoakley Mitchell said the project is a way “to start showing that the real estate component of Atlanta doesn’t always have to be in competition or in challenge with historic preservation.”
“So often when we talk about historic preservation, it’s either reactionary or in some way or another trying to prove that history matters,” Mitchell added. “And we’re constantly trying to elevate, validate and substantiate historic preservation, and here is a situation where none of that [tension] exists.”
Alexander Page, the Buckhead-based senior regional lead at the Luxury Division of Compass Atlanta, described the project as transformational on his side.
“I wasn’t sure how this project would develop long-term and never imagined meeting so many incredible people along the way,” Page said. “The Atlanta Legacy Trail is far greater than just me, Compass, and even Atlanta. Having this rare opportunity to connect with students from across the globe, numerous historic property curators, the Atlanta Preservation Center team and…
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