These 6 Abandoned Places In Atlanta Are Absolutely Haunting
Everyone loves a good scare every now and again, right? If so, then you’re in for a treat. Although these abandoned hot spots in Atlanta can’t all necessarily be explored in person, the story behind these places just might give you goosebumps. Oftentimes, there is something magical about a place that becomes abandoned—the remaining ruins, the rich history, the building cohabiting with nature. Take a look at these abandoned places in Atlanta and see for yourself.
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The abandoned Pratt-Pullman yard sits on over 25 acres of land and is comprised of nearly 100,000 square feet of old, historic buildings. The property has such a rich and unique history, it’s absolutely worth sharing. Once a factory for developing agricultural machinery, it served as an employment center during residential development in the area. Even during World War I munitions were manufactured there. Then of course, the property became a tourist train spot. Unfortunately, now the property is overrun by nature and has been abandoned for quite some time. Although, it still remains hauntingly beautiful.
2. Atlanta Constitution Building—143 Alabama Street, SW
This abandoned Atlanta building, located at the northwest corner of Alabama and Forsyth Streets, has quite a charming history behind it as it was considered one of Atlanta's first forays into modern architecture. It was originally constructed in 1947 and became the headquarters of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, until the newspaper consolidated with the Atlanta Journal. Around 1955, Georgia Power moved in for some time. However, the place has been vacant since 1972, with limited plans on rehabilitation.
Atlanta Prison Farm is urban decay at its finest. It was once an operating prison from around 1945 to 1995. However, for the last two and a half decades, this abandoned building has been quietly rotting away. What remains now is still hauntingly beautiful. The kudzu vines have overtaken much of the ruins, not to mention the thick, colorful graffiti lining most walls.
4. Candler Mansion Ruins—1260 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta
Candler Mansion, also known as Briarcliff, was the mansion and estate of Coca-Cola co-founder and Atlanta mayor Asa Griggs “Buddy” Candler. Once the mansion was left to Candler’s son, it fell into ruins. It quickly went through different types of ownership, even being a former site of the Georgia Mental Health Institute at one point. Emory University bought the property and has plans to renovate, however there are still plenty of ruins that are being reclaimed by nature. The abandoned greenhouses and mansion still remain in decay today.
5. Atlanta Life Insurance Building—142 Auburn Ave, Atlanta
The main part of this abandoned building was originally built around the late 1800s. It was originally a residence, but then became home to the Atlanta Life Insurance Company from 1920-1980. Alonzo Herndon, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company was a former slave who became one of the richest African-Americans of the time. He owned the buildings until they eventually fell into ruins a few decades later.
6. John B. Gordon Elementary—1205 Metropolitan Avenue, Atlanta
This abandoned building was once an elementary school built in the early 1900s. It was named after one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted generals, John Brown Gordon. Inside this school, there were around 35 classrooms, a large gym and auditorium. As Atlanta grew in population, though, the building began to fall into decline. It lasted almost 100 years, falling just short after closing in 1995. Sometime last year, the abandoned building that held so many childhood memories, was demolished.
How about those photographs? It’s amazing that something so rich in history can have fallen into such decline, but still remain hauntingly beautiful.
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.