Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building Rehabilitation

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building, originally constructed in 1933 as Atlanta’s main U.S. Post Office, underwent an extensive preservation and rehabilitation effort aimed at restoring its historic significance while adapting it to serve modern needs. The building, named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., retains key architectural elements that define its character, including the marble and granite facade, historic postal lobby, stairways, and original steel windows. Careful attention was given to preserving these features while addressing significant deterioration, particularly on the exterior where trapped water had caused rust and damage to the structural steel. Restoration techniques involved selectively removing stonework to access and replace deteriorated steel components, followed by reinstalling the original materials to maintain the building’s integrity. Inside, previously concealed historic elements, such as wainscoting, plaster walls, and terrazzo flooring, were uncovered and meticulously restored. The building’s transformation included reopening a two-story light well, enhancing natural light flow, and repurposing former postal spaces into office and conference areas, all while maintaining the building’s historical essence. This thoughtful preservation, combined with sustainable design strategies, earned the project LEED Gold certification, balancing the preservation of the past with the environmental and functional needs of the present.