Frustration grows as historic building repeatedly tagged with graffiti

An Atlanta-based nonprofit last year purchased the historic Odd Fellows tower to use for its headquarters, but the renovation project has been marred by graffiti that's been repeatedly spray-painted onto the building.

Why it matters: The Odd Fellows building acquired by Georgia Works is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and is included in the Sweet Auburn National Historic Landmark District.

• It's not only expensive to remove graffiti from these structures, but the tagging is "debasing the experience and accomplishments of the people who inhabited these spaces," said David Mitchell, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center .

What they're saying: Darlene Schultz, CEO of Georgia Works , which provides support and resources for men who are homeless, said it will cost the nonprofit $19,000 to remove graffiti that's been drawn on the building.

• "It's very expensive to get this graffiti off our building, and to pay for it … just makes me very upset," she said.

Flashback: The Sweet Auburn District got its historic landmark designation in 1976. Its anchoring street, Auburn Avenue, was once described as the " richest Negro street " in the world.

• The Odd Fellows Building was constructed in 1913 and was once home to the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows , a Black fraternal organization, according to the Library of Congress .

Catch up quick : In 2023, Invest Atlanta , the city's economic development arm, approved a $1.25 million grant to finance renovations to the structure.

• Georgia Works bought the building with a grant from the Governor's Office of Planning and Budgeting, and raised the rest of the money needed for its $15 million project, Schultz said.

State of play: Mitchell told Axios that he's reported graffiti to the Atlanta Police Department.

• The National Register does offer resources and guidance to historic property owners regarding how to remove graffiti from structures.
• Mitchell said being "complacent" about the graffiti in an area that's often touted as an example of Atlanta's place in history "cheapens the accomplishments of anyone and everyone who used Auburn Avenue to advance our society."

What we're watching: Schultz told Axios that the nonprofit is nearly done with façade renovations and will soon begin working on renovating the interior.

• With a targeted opening date of June 2025, the building will serve as Georgia Works' headquarters, provide 165 beds for men who don't have shelter and house programs for clients.
• "We treat each of these men in a very holistic way, because we want to make sure that we're addressing the issues that likely got them unsheltered and homeless in the first place," she said.

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