An Atlanta college is celebrating the largest state funding investment in its history—and what it expects to be a significant boost for workforce development and economic growth across the metro. 

Atlanta Technical College broke ground this week on a $30-million renovation and expansion of the Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Academic Complex, which officials called a “defining moment” for the institution during its 60th anniversary year.  

The tech school offers a range of career-focused degrees, programs, and certificates—from bioscience to business management, carpentry to barbering—at its 1560 Metropolitan Parkway campus in Sylvan Hills.  

Nearly five years in the making, the new project calls for reimagining the Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Academic Complex into a cutting-edge student services and instructional hub “designed to meet the evolving needs of learners, employers, and Georgia’s rapidly changing economy,” per college officials. 

Exterior rendering for the $30-million Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Academic Complex. Courtesy of Atlanta Technical College; designs, Croft & Associates

A planned homage to Hank Aaron inside the new ATC facility. Courtesy of Atlanta Technical College; designs, Croft & Associates

New facilities will support apprenticeships, curriculum innovation, industry collaborations, and hands-on instruction in a number of fields considered high-demand. Those include artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, film and video technology, media and graphic design production, post-production media technologies, and future music production programming, per ATC officials.

The project, as designed by Kennesaw-based Croft and Associates, also aims to honor late Atlanta Braves legend and longtime ATC supporter Hank Aaron. 

Aaron’s widow, Billye Aaron, joined about 100 guests and dignitaries at a Tuesday groundbreaking ceremony, where she said, according to an ATC announcement: “It is especially meaningful to see this building continue to bear Hank’s name while preparing students for careers that will shape the future. This renovation and expansion ensures his legacy will continue inspiring young people to dream bigger and work harder to achieve more.”

During the program, a rendering of the new Billye Subber Aaron soundstage—meant to honor her philanthropic work and career in media and production—was unveiled.  

“This complex will be more than a building,” added ATC president Victoria Seals. “It will be a place where innovation comes to life, students discover new possibilities, and employers connect with the highly skilled talent they need to grow.”

Atlanta Technical College's 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW location in Sylvan Hills. Google Maps

From left, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier; Atlanta Technical College president Victoria Seals; Billye Subber Aaron; Atlanta Braves vice president of community affairs Danielle Bedasse; ATC student Imani Gambrell-Smith; Ga. State Representative Rhonda Burnough; and Ga. State Representative Phil Olaleye. Courtesy of Atlanta Technical College

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