Comments on: Metropolis profiles Atlanta’s downtown library in jeopardy

By: nativeson71

nativeson71 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:33:01 +0000

I do not like mid-century buildings. I am a preservanist at heart. Tearing down the Carnigie Library was a sin…even more so building this ‘cast concrete’ boil in its place. However, tearing down this building to replace with (another mistake of lesser value) is not wise. Keep the freaking Breuer for no other reason than it is a ‘Breuer.’But as GOD as my witness, this is the last mid-century moderne turd that will be ‘cast’ on the streets of Atlanta.
(little Gone with the wind joke there)

By: Darin

Darin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:39:33 +0000

When I look at the exterior of this library building from the entrance area, I get the feeling that it’s at odds with its immediate surroundings. It’s unfortunately flanked on two sides by uncomplimentary parking decks — and the streets that run so close to the entrance make it seem unapproachable.

If the single-block sections of Carnegie Way and Forsyth that run alongside the NE and SE corners of the entrance could be closed and paved over as plaza space (connecting to the Margaret Mitchell plaza), I think the building would be a lot more attractive from the outside and would be more welcoming. A main library for a big city deserves that kind of treatment.

The interior is the worst part for me, though. There needs to be some serious money spent on the furniture, flooring and overall interior design for that building.

Overall I see some potential for greatness with the building that has gone unrealized for a long, long time. I sense there’s been some longstanding ill feelings about this building (and this style of architecture) that have preventing it from being given a chance. Atlanta has been given very little in the way of challenging, innovative architecture like this through the years. We should preserve what little we have and take the opportunity to learn from it.

By: wesley what what

wesley what what — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:55:22 +0000

i have to agree with the comment above.

have the people fighting to keep this buidling actually been inside it? or walked around the block it sits on?

not worth keeping.

take some pictures and track down the original architectural drawings/models then create a small display in the new library.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:42:14 +0000

I say good riddance. This Bauhaus monstrosity was built upon the ashes of once was a true architectural masterpiece and national treasure, the Carnegie Library. This Bauhaus blob inspires nothing and no one except modernist purists who fight for the preservation of buildings like this to mask their own lack of talent.

I say bring on the wrecking ball. Avenge the Carnegie Library!!