Images: South Downtown's first new hotel in forever finally debuts

Following a series of construction delays and a restaurant cancellation, a boutique hotel and adaptive-reuse project chockfull of localized touches is officially welcoming guests, marking another investment in the pre-World Cup resurgence of South Downtown. 

The Origin Hotel Atlanta, a Wyndham Hotels property, debuted Monday with 122 rooms in a former office building at 110 Mitchell St., offering what officials call a new gathering spot that blends Southern charm and bold designs in Atlanta’s historic heart.  

Situated about a block south of Underground Atlanta, the hotel marks a rare large-scale, non-governmental investment south of Five Points near the Georgia State Capitol.

A year ago, project leaders forecasted the property would open in October, but that was pushed back. In November, all-day restaurant concept Butter + Scotch, from the same team that owns celebrated Che Butter Jonez in Southwest Atlanta, pulled out, citing frustrations with construction delays. 

The Origin now features another restaurant adjacent to its lobby, Social Capitol American Bistro, described as a “vibrant fusion of global flavors and Southern hospitality” with a cocktail and dessert program that’s open from breakfast to dinner. 

Rates for Origin rooms with one king bed start at $122 right now. Premier suites start at $328 nightly. 

The pet-friendly hotel, having remade a six-story 1950s office building, also features a private event space on the top floor with skyline views, a fitness center, and a local retail store that sells Atlanta-themed souvenirs and gear. 

Overall, hotel designs lean into a loft-like, midcentury aesthetic, with nods to Atlanta history, thanks to a collaboration with Atlanta-based art consulting firm Faulkner + Locke.  

Another unique touch is a 50-foot art installation in the lobby titled “ATL” by Phil Proctor, an Atlanta-based artist and founder of Nucleus Sculpture Studio. Plant purveyors The Victorian Atlanta were hired to leaf up the property. 

Origin leadership in coming months also plans to partner with Pedego Atlanta to offer guests free e-bike rentals to explore the city on two wheels, including group rides for corporate guests and larger gatherings.  

The building stands at the intersection of Pryor and Mitchell streets, roughly two blocks east of where developer Newport revived parts of downtown’s historic Hotel Row before handing over its portfolio to foreclosure. Tech-focused Atlanta Ventures has since purchased those properties and taken over redevelopment while adding more buildings.

The hotel joins others under the Origin brand in Austin, Lexington, Baton Rouge, and Red Rocks (Colorado), along with another new property in Kansas City.

Mississippi-based The Thrash Group paid $16 million for the office building in early 2022, when plans were announced to complete a stalled renovation and open the former offices as a boutique downtown lodging option. Officials noted the hotel’s proximity to two MARTA stations—Five Points and Garnett—as a selling point at the time.

The hotel is still owned by The Thrash Group, and it’s being operated by Tandem Hospitality Group. 

Jacob Van Winkle, Tandem president, said the South Downtown Origin offers guests and locals a lodging option unlike any other in Atlanta.  

“The central location and dynamic offerings make [the hotel] the ideal launchpad for exploring the city authentically,” Van Winkle said in an announcement. “Whether guests are in town for a major event like next year’s FIFA World Cup, catching a Falcons game, or participating in corporate gatherings, we’re excited to welcome travelers from near and far.” 

Find more context and a photo tour of the finished 110 Michell St. property in the gallery above. 

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