Roosevelt Hall

Year: 2025 Design & Honor Awards | Category: Renovation Restoration Reuse

Roosevelt Hall is the sole remaining structure of University Homes, the nation’s first federally funded public housing project for African American families. The restoration and renovation of Roosevelt Hall demonstrates the transformative impact historic buildings can have on public housing and community development. After years of sitting vacant, the building has been returned to its original purpose and now serves as a vibrant anchor for the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization.

Design Challenge

Built in 1937, Roosevelt Hall served as the community center for University Homes, featuring African American-owned storefront retail and services. The second floor held community spaces for concerts, dance recitals, youth recreation, and organized gatherings. Eventually, the building was converted to a police substation and many original interior and exterior elements were heavily modified or removed. The original storefront glass assemblies and transoms were replaced and covered with roll-down steel security gates, and many other windows were bricked in. In 2008, University Homes was demolished, and Roosevelt Hall remained shuttered for nearly 15 years.

The main challenge was designing a solution that respects the building’s historic character while accommodating the expanded program. In addition to preserving the original entrance, the client requested a new rear entrance with an elevator and stairway that connects to the front entrance and rear site.

Another challenge was creating an inclusive and accessible destination for all. The site slopes upward behind the building and creates four distinct levels on the first floor. The entire interior and exterior needed to be made accessible for individuals with disabilities, while ensuring the changes remained unobtrusive.

This was accomplished with a series of low-profile ramps that integrate with the circulation plan. The stairway/elevator addition is kept distinct from the original building. It connects the first and second floor with a new rooftop terrace that was kept to a low profile and pulled back from the front and sides to minimize its visual impact on the façade.

Firm
Moody Nolan

Project Location
Atlanta, Georgia

Completion Date
06/01/2023

Architects and Designers
Rex Hagerling
Tulia Scott
Courtney Harris
Andre Gray

Structural Engineer
PES Structural Engineers

Landscape
HGOR

General Contractor
FS360

MEP Engineering
Jordan & Skala Engineers

Photographer
@gareygomez