An expansion and renovation that project leaders say redefines the visitor experience at one of Atlanta’s most cherished cultural landmarks is officially in the books.
A host of Atlanta dignitaries and development officials cut the ribbon last week on a $58-million upgrade at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which closed for construction in January and reopened to the public Friday.
The two-wing expansion added 28,000 square feet of new space, while more than 42,000 square feet of the original facility was modernized, according to Atlanta-based builders Juneau Construction Company. DaVinci Development Collaborative and Perkins&Will were also part of the project team.
Completed exteriors at the expanded downtown museum. Courtesy of Juneau Construction Company
Dignitaries including former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Dr. Bernice A. King, Mayor Andre Dickens, and Arthur Blank attended last week’s ribbon-cutting at the Center. Courtesy of Juneau Construction Company
The multi-story west wing—named for Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank—features three new galleries, a café, retail space, and beefed-up exhibit areas, per officials.
On the flipside of the facility, the two-story Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion features multifunctional space that can be used for events, conferences, and classrooms. Other components of the east wing include a rooftop terrace, plus new ticketing, mechanical, and storage spaces.
Elsewhere, the expansion area offers an immersive gallery for families and children, a Reconstruction Era Gallery, and reimagined permanent exhibits. The latter includes a redesigned gallery to showcase hand-picked artifacts from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection.
The original Center, which opened with 42,500 square feet in summer 2014, was designed by late award-winning architect Philip Freelon in partnership with HOK. (Its designs were chosen following an international competition.) The Perkins & Will-designed expansion’s new wings embrace the Center’s symbolic, multicolored façade, both of them swooping from Pemberton Place around toward Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard.
Rendering of new wings as seen over Pemberton Place. Courtesy of National Center for Civil and Human Rights; designs, Perkins & Will
Project officials previously told Urbanize Atlanta more than two dozen companies, foundations, and individuals contributed to the expansion campaign.
A $15-million gift from the Arthur M. Blank Foundation “anchored” the fundraising efforts.
Other public and private funding included $10 million from the City of Atlanta, $8.5 million from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and $5 million from the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, officials said.
Courtesy of Juneau Construction Company
Courtesy of Juneau Construction Company
According to Juneau Construction leaders, 40 percent of subcontracts for the project involved minority-, woman-owned, or disadvantaged businesses as a means of “keeping with the Center’s mission.”
“Our team approached every detail with care and purpose, knowing the importance of what this space represents,” said Nancy Juneau, founder and CEO of Juneau construction, in a project announcement.
Standard tickets for the museum purchased in advance are $26 for adults. In the meantime, find a quick tour and sneak peek of the upgraded downtown facility in the gallery above.
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