Roosevelt Hall
Atlanta, GA
Completion Date: 2023
Developer: Atlanta Housing
Architect: Moody Nolan
General Contractor: FS 360
Roosevelt Hall, formerly known as University Homes and renamed in honor of the 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, entered a new chapter after a comprehensive and highly coordinated renovation. The transformation of this landmark involved Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing services from Jordan & Skala Engineers (JSE). Originally built in 1937 as the first federal public housing project in the United States for African Americans, the two-story building carries immense historic and cultural weight, making its renewal both an honor and a responsibility.
The renovation demanded a careful balance between preservation and modernization. The design team meticulously retained the historic structural framework and brick façade wherever possible, safeguarding the building’s original character even as modern upgrades were thoughtfully woven into its fabric. This blend of past and present now supports a vibrant, reimagined community hub featuring a library, immersive history walls, a computer center, and dedicated office space for the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) institutions: Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University.
Achieving this transformation was far from simple. The project presented technical challenges that required strategic planning and solutions. Notably, heavy rain caused groundwater intrusion, and the building’s basement, where much of the mechanical and electrical equipment was located, became vulnerable to flooding. To protect these critical systems, our plumbers designed sump pumps and worked in close coordination with other teams to ensure full integration and reliable long-term performance.
Our mechanical designers included a VRF system and a dedicated outside air system to support the building’s new functions and occupant comfort. The renovation also expanded the building’s amenities with a new rooftop gathering space, a greenspace, and retail and coffee spaces on the lower level. Our electrical designers included high-end lighting and custom lighting elements with intricate dimming and advanced control systems to elevate both functionality and ambiance throughout the facility.
Through a blend of historic preservation, modern amenities, and engineering excellence, Roosevelt Hall now stands as a cultural anchor of one that honors its legacy while providing a welcoming space for learning, community engagement, and collaboration.
Copyright Photography by: Garey Gomez Photography | Garey Gomez | gareygomez.com