JLL’s Adaptive Reuse Unit to oversee AmericasMart renovations

Atlanta, GA (March 3, 2020) – JLL’s Adaptive Reuse Unit has been selected to manage the renovations of AmericasMart buildings in Downtown Atlanta. The highly specialized team made up of Vice President Rainey Shane, Senior Project Manager Carson Mathis and Project Managers Jessica Walburn and Melissa Ward will manage construction on behalf of the owner, International Market Centers (IMC).

AmericasMart Building 1 originally opened in 1961 as the Atlanta Market Center. The restoration project of Building 1 will include a series of dramatic interior improvements such as an expansive lobby entry and opening off Peachtree Street, sleek and stylish finish upgrades to include terrazzo flooring, custom lighting, state-of-the-art digital signage and the addition of a second floor amenity space and buyers lounge complete with panoramic views off climate-controlled balconies opening over Peachtree Street. Exterior improvements include the replacement of existing precast concrete panels with floor to ceiling curtain wall glass and storefront, upgraded column finishes along both Peachtree Street and John Portman Boulevard, and a state-of-the-art digital signage platform that provides full ribbon tickers and display boards along Peachtree Street, John Portman Boulevard, and Ted Turner/Andrew Young International Drive. Renovations will be underway throughout 2020 and are expected to be completed before the 2021 Winter Market, which is held at AmericasMart each year in January.

“Our team is passionate about bringing new life and economic value to Atlanta’s treasured properties, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to restore one of Downtown’s most historic buildings,” said Mathis. “AmericasMart already attracts millions of visitors to the city each year, and we’re confident this restoration project will allow IMC to build upon its legacy as Atlanta’s hub for commerce and connectivity.”

Designed in 1957 by Atlanta architect John Portman, AmericasMart spans three buildings and seven million square feet. As one of the largest wholesale trade centers in the world, AmericasMart is the nation’s leading gift, home furnishings, area rug and apparel marketplace.

For over 60 years, AmericasMart has been touted as a driving force in Downtown Atlanta’s growth. According to JLL research, Downtown Atlanta has experienced nearly $4 billion of investment in the last decade, reflecting the submarket’s ongoing transformation into Atlanta’s urban core.