Wow Renovation to Philip Shutze's Academy of Medicine

Georgia Tech has bought (or were gifted, I'm not sure how it worked) and renovated the Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech and offers it as an event facility. That is a very fine thing for architecture tourists and for everyone else.

"The new contract clearly stated each architects responsibilities. (R. Kennon) Perry maintained his position as principal architect in charge of working drawings and supervision, (Phillip Trammell) Shutze would design the building." Quote from American Classicist: The Architecture of Philip Trammell Shutze by Elizabeth Meredith Dowling


In 1968 all I knew is that it was a classy building with a front yard on West Peachtree. I lived across the street from the Academy of Medicine (1941) my senior year at Tech. I saw it every single day. I hadn't the slightest idea what they did in there or what it looked like inside.


I was fortunate to attend the grand re-opening on December 15, 2011 and took a few pictures.


This is a per-renovation picture.


Event planning staff and volunteers from Tech showed us around.


Eye's up.


Eyes up again and again.

"In 1980 the entire building was renovated...but Shutze...was not consulted...the sparkling clarity of the original white coloration...is no longer in evidence...." Quote from American Classicist: The Architecture of Philip Trammell Shutze by Elizabeth Meredith Dowling

I think the "sparkling clarity" is back. Don't you? Who managed the restoration? I hope to find out.


The clerestory windows from outside. "...square tower containing coffered semicircular skylights."


I don't know my terms. Aren't these Acroteria?


The entrance hall / foyer / rotunda is uncanny. It feels colossal yet cozy, grand but comfortable, elaborate but reserved. To me a great place can impress without making me feel small.


A little panorama from the rotunda. Eyes up yet again.


The auditorium is to the east, nice place for a wedding.


Columns in antis frame the stage.


From the stage looking towards the rotunda.


Detail of the mirrored sconces and wallpaper in the auditorium. Do you suppose Shutze designed these?


I'm looking across the rotunda towards the north wing and north entrance. There is a library down there, a good place for the bridesmaids to hang out, also a parlor for the bride.


The north entrance from the outside. It rocks.


I'm standing in the library, looking across the hall into the parlor.


Panorama of the library with its fine furnishings. Not a spec of dust.


The stair is in the north wing too. It delighted every glance.


It's just a few steps from the rotunda yet seems part of an immense space.


It's u-shaped with curves galore.


Downstairs is a bit more modest with meeting rooms. Ample space for the groom's party and more. Look in the mirror.


Crawford Long keeps watch down there.


The south wing is a large hall, suitable for the wedding reception and dance. It has this bodacious highly-modeled painting. My other pictures didn't come out very well.


Do you recognize the artist? We don't know.

How about a few outside pictures.


The portico overlooks the only lawn on West Peachtree.


Severe detailing.






Right now you can see the Cavalia tent framed by Midtown highrises.


The north side has a sunken patio for the reception spillover.


It's enclosed with a view of the midtown skyline.


The north entrance again, the parlor is on the right, the library on the left.


The entrance to the rusticated terrace level has plenty of charm.


The auditorium bumps out of the east facade.


The back door with the transom would enter the stage.


Stairs and a ramp lead to the sunken patio.


Now that I've convinced you, I hope you'll invite me to the wedding.

Thanks to Anne Minty and Shawn Stinson, event coordinators for the Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech. They are the ones to call.

Atlanta's best drive-through view?

This is the view from the Bank of America drive-window at the Emory University.


It's Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. To me it's the most pleasing Philip Shutze public building. It also serves as Emory's largest auditorium and it contains Shutze's "Little Chapel" (more in post script).

I don't mind the teller line when I can peruse the proportions and details.


When the leaves fall I get a better view.




It's been home to many graduations, church services, concerts, weddings, and funerals. I think it's the centerpiece of Druid Hills and the standout building at Emory.


What a pleasure to see this uplifting and humane building while waiting for the teller or for the light to change, or eating pizza at Everybody's.

Thanks,
Terry

P.S. Folks just don't know about the little chapel. From the Glenn website:

"The chapel is almost an exact replica, on a smaller scale, of the interior of St. Stephen Walbrook, an Anglican church in London that is considered to be one of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces."

Philip Shutze's roof-top picnic grounds has a faulty tower.

Architecture Tourists like you and me take advantage of every opportunity.

I had to go to my bone doc to see this. Looking north from the 19th floor of the Emory Midtown Hospital, I could see the Emily Winship Woodruff Maternity Center at Crawford Long Hospital by Philip Trammell Shutze et al 1945.



Now that you know it's there, keep your eye out for the "temple on the roof" and the two flat-top towers.

It's mostly hidden but you can spot the roof from many places in Midtown.


The view is pretty good from the top floor of the parking deck.

Architecture Tourists always park on the top floor, right?


It's nice to see details 9 stories up.


Here is the view through the window glare.

In 1945, I don't think the architects intended for anyone to see this view.


There are picnic tables up there.

I've been there. I lost my work ID near the hospital and someone turned it in. Hospital Security was on the top floor so that's were I went to pick it up.

I was up there before they built the 19 story building. There were rocking chairs and a truly extraordinary view south towards downtown Atlanta.


The west tower has Flemish bond all the way up. I admire the designers and the masons. The crisp corners make a difference to the eye from miles away.


I like the idea that these decorative towers, had a practical purpose. I don't know the purpose - probably heating / cooling / ventilation - but I can imagine the conversations between designers, engineers, and budgeteers.


What is the story with the faulty east tower?


I hope they have their top people working on it.


Actually it's just a reflection. Thanks to "Anonymous" for the tip. I looked like hole to me so I returned for another picture.

Let's review: Emory Midtown Hospital, formerly Crawford Long, the best architecture views in town, for a hospital. I'll also award a prize to Atlanta Medical Center's maternity floor for the best view of Atlanta's downtown.


View to the northwest and Georgia Tech.


Look east from the parking lot. The awesome W. W. Orr Doctors' Building (1930) and the hospital Lobby frame some of the last bits of the old commercial charm on Peachtree.


The Art Deco Orr Building is one of my very favorite Atlanta Buildings. It's so elegant, it rewards every time.