West of Midtown, a 1920s bungalow that celebrated Atlanta architect Kenneth Johnson once renovated into what’s believed to be Georgia’s first passive-solar residence could be in for a decidedly different future.
Located just north of 10th Street, a block from Georgia Tech, Johnson’s circa-1975 work at 329 Home Park Avenue NW remains largely intact, prompting marketers to describe it as a “rare modernist gem in heart of Home Park.”
Spanning 2,574 square feet, the five-bedroom property listed last month for $649,000 with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.
The .1-acre lot next door is also for sale (asking price: $299,000), and the listing agent describes the pair “as a great value for a potential investor.” Both lots carry R5 zoning, which would allow for multiple units, the listing notes.
Fans of Johnson’s work might take heart in knowing that sellers also advocate for “a beautiful restoration of this masterpiece,” with all its original features intact and an “entertainer’s dream layout,” according to the listing.
A 1981 issue of The Solar Collector, published by the Georgia Solar Coalition, featured the Johnson residence on the cover and declared it the "Home of the Month."Kenneth Johnson via Docomomo Georgia
It’s “walkable to Georgia Tech, Midtown, and all that West Midtown has to offer,” notes the broker. “Each level has exterior access and [a] full kitchen giving the ability to separate the spaces to create separate units.”
A Georgia Tech graduate and adherent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design principles, Johnson’s career as an architect spanned 45 years in Atlanta. His more notable works include the Morrison-Coghlin residence in Buckhead, the stone-heavy C&S Bank (now a Bank of America branch) on Roswell Road, and the Central Congregational Church on Briarcliff Road.
A corporate retreat designed by Johnson on Niskey Lake. Kenneth Johnson via Docomomo Georgia
His most recognizable design, however, could have been the C&S Bank branch on Moreland Avenue, south of East Atlanta Village, which was razed a decade ago despite pushback from preservationists. The modernism conservators at Georgia’s Docomomo chapter have described that structure in particular as “remarkable.”
When Johnson died in 2014, at age 89, his obituary read, in part: “This architect lived long enough to witness the power of the internet in pulling his early modern designs from obscurity to renewed acclaim.”
See the images below, or the gallery above, for a sample.
Off the foyer, into one section of the living room today. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
The main social area. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Double-sided fireplace from another angle. "Stunning spaces, tons of natural light, and clean lines abound in this early modern example," notes the listing. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
A terrarium-like space at the front of the property. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Clerestories in the kitchen. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
A vintage look at the 1970s interiors. The project to convert the original home spanned from 1973 to 1975. Kenneth Johnson via Docomomo Georgia
The exterior's glass facade today. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
As seen from the .1-acre lot next door, listed for $299,000. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Johnson's heralded C&S Branch Bank at 1289 Moreland Avenue, south of East Atlanta Village. Despite pushback from the Atlanta Preservation Center and Docomomo, it was demolished in 2011 and eventually replaced with a self-storage facility. Kenneth Johnson via Docomomo Georgia
The C&S Branch Bank's replacement. Google Maps
A private circa-1958 residence designed by Johnson on Atlanta's Ferncliff Road, which has also been demolished. Kenneth Johnson via Docomomo Georgia
• Two-bedroom English Avenue home asks cool half-million, flaunts versatile lot (Urbanize Atlanta)
• Kenneth Johnson, Architect (Docomomo Georgia)
