Fresh images: $150M Fourth Ward hotel reveals name, debut date

Four years in the making, an Old Fourth Ward hotel project that’s aiming to raise the bar for what an Atlanta lodging experience can be has revealed its official name, debut date, and many other aspects.

Alongside its Philadelphia-based partners Method Co., Atlanta’s New City Properties announced today the final unfinished component of its Fourth Ward Project’s first phase will be called Forth Atlanta. The name draws inspiration from a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: “Go forth into the busy world and love it.”

Expected to cost $150 million, the 16-story boutique project will feature 196 luxury hotel rooms and 39 apartment-style offerings designed for longer stays, continuing a flex-stay trend seen around Midtown and at nearby Ponce City Market’s second phase. It’s expected to open for business in June.

Forth Atlanta will also feature four food-and-beverage concepts, an expansive outdoor pool zone, and a members-only social club like Atlanta hasn’t seen before, according to project leaders.

Planned interiors of the Forth hotel lobby. Method Co.

The distinctive Forth hotel tower, at left, and Overline Residences apartments, as seen from Historic Fourth Ward Park earlier this year. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

New City officials are calling Forth Atlanta the centerpiece of the four-tower, transformative development between the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail and Historic Fourth Ward Park, and they released new renderings today to help illustrate its uniqueness. New City purchased the 11-acre former Georgia Power property in 2018 and started work on all of phase one, including hotel infrastructure, in the pandemic summer of 2020.

The distinctive hotel structure includes a cast-in-place diagrid façade, and its planned interiors are described as “rich and tailored” for a “warm and welcoming counterpoint to the modern concrete exterior,” pulling inspiration from "contemporary European design and early Americana traditions,” according to designers. Skyline views from the new building are described as “breathtaking.”

Like the Overline Residences apartments next door, it was designed by New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects. New City picked Method Co. to operate the hotel property.

“Our ambition for Forth was nothing less than to completely reimagine the hospitality experience in Atlanta,” Jim Irwin, New City president, said in a prepared statement. “Atlanta deserves a modern hotel with world-class design and an operator that would be tirelessly committed to creating an impeccable experience.”

Planned interiors of the onsite Italian steakhouse concept. It's one of four food-and-beverage offerings in the works. Method Co.

The Forth Atlanta lobby bar and cafe. Method Co.

Here’s a rundown of other highlights revealed today:

• The 39 apartment-style rooms will be paired with hotel services while also featuring custom furniture, full-size appliances, separate living spaces, and plainsawn oak flooring, among other features.

• For events, Forth Atlanta’s plans include a flex venue capable of hosting 350 people seated. Elsewhere will be coworking space.

• Perks of the members-only social club will include a spa facility and top-flight fitness and wellness center with programming and classes, according to developers. (More details on pricing and applications are expected to come as the opening nears.)

• A 2,300-square-foot outdoor pool deck will offer lounge seating and cabanas for both club members and hotel guests.

• On the food-and-beverage front, expect concepts designed by Stokes Architecture + Design (also based in Philadelphia) and Method Studios. Those will include a full-service Italian steakhouse, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar beside the pool, a rooftop cocktail lounge, as well as a café and bar in the lobby.

Fresh rendering of Forth Atlanta's 16-story facade, designed by New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects. Method Co.

Interior features are expected to include vintage pieces, handmade wooden furniture, layered fabrics and textures, and other curated objects. Method Co.