Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District
As one of the major engineering institutions in the United States, Georgia Tech, founded in 1885, has long been the driving force in the southeast in the area of technological training and innovation for continued industrial and scientific expansion. The Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District is situated on and around the crest of the "the Hill," the highest elevation of the school's original nine-acre campus.
Comprised of 12 buildings, the Old Campus is a landscaped cluster of mixed-period classroom, dormitory and administrative brick buildings. Buildings of the Old Campus include the Carnegie Building, which was the campus library until 1953; the President's Office is now located there. Lymnan Hall Laboratory, named after one of Georgia Tech's earlier presidents, was the school's first Chemistry Building. The YMCA Building, funded by John D. Rockefeller in 1910, now houses the Alumni Association Offices. The random placement of these buildings around the centrally positioned Administration Building ("Tech Tower") has created unique urban spaces. Hundred year-old trees shade the red brick buildings and enhance the sense of special enclosure.
The most important quality of "the Hill" is its sense of space and time. As is evident in the placement of the buildings, little thought was actually given to the future expansion of the then young technological school. Instead, the site planning was carried out in such a manner as to meet the immediate and pressing needs of the school. This practical approach has created the significant quality of space. The harmony found within the Old Campus is attributed to the fact that almost all of the buildings were built within a short span of time--from 1885 to 1923. Though all exhibit a consistent approach in design and construction, none include a repetition of style or form.
The Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District is roughly bounded by Fowler, Third, and Cherry sts. and North Ave. in north Atlanta. Campus tours are offered Monday-Friday at 11:00am and 2:00pm, except holidays. Call 404-894-1939 or visit the Georgia Tech website for more information.
Information and photos courtesy of the National Register for Historic Places Atlanta, Georgia Travel Itinerary, a subsidiary of the National Park Service.
