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"Tech Tower"
National Register photograph by Yen Tang
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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.
Historic Postcard of Georgia Institute
of Technology Historic District
Courtesy of Jody Cook |
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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.
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