Historic Atlanta Odd Fellows Building becomes transitional housing hub
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ATLANTA — A century-old building that once served as headquarters for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been transformed into transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a milestone in Atlanta’s efforts to address housing insecurity.
The historic Odd Fellows Building, located in downtown Atlanta, officially reopened this week as a 40-unit transitional housing facility operated by the Atlanta Mission. The $8.2 million renovation project preserved the building’s original 1920s architecture while creating modern living spaces designed to help residents transition to permanent housing.
“This building represents hope and second chances,” said Atlanta Mission CEO Ken Parker during the facility’s dedication ceremony. “We’re taking a piece of Atlanta’s history and giving it new purpose in serving our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Preserving History While Serving Community
The three-story brick building at 228 Mitchell Street Southwest originally housed the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization that played a significant role in Atlanta’s African American community during the early-to-mid 20th century. The building had been vacant for more than two decades before the Atlanta Mission acquired it in 2021.
Renovation work began in early 2022 and focused on maintaining the building’s historic character while meeting modern safety and accessibility standards. The project included restoring original hardwood floors, preserving decorative plasterwork, and installing new plumbing and electrical systems throughout the structure.
“We wanted to honor the legacy of this building while creating spaces that promote dignity and stability,” said project architect Sarah Williams of Perkins+Will, the firm that led the renovation design.
Comprehensive Support Services
The new facility offers more than just housing, according to Atlanta Mission officials. Each resident receives case management services, job training opportunities, and access to mental health and substance abuse counseling. The average stay is designed to be 12-18 months, with the goal of helping individuals secure permanent housing and employment.
The building features 40 private rooms, each with its own bathroom, as well as shared kitchen facilities, a computer lab, and meeting spaces for group programming. A ground-floor community room has been designed to accommodate up to 100 people for neighborhood meetings and events.
“This isn’t just about providing a bed,” said program director Maria Rodriguez. “We’re creating a community where people can rebuild their lives with comprehensive support.”
The facility also includes on-site offices for case workers, counselors, and job placement specialists. Residents must participate in weekly meetings with case managers and contribute to the facility’s upkeep through assigned chores and maintenance tasks.
Addressing Atlanta’s Housing Crisis
The Odd Fellows Building renovation comes as Atlanta grapples with a persistent homelessness crisis. The most recent point-in-time count conducted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs found more than 3,200 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
City officials have praised the project as an innovative approach to addressing housing insecurity while preserving historic architecture. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens attended the facility’s opening ceremony and announced plans to explore similar public-private partnerships for other vacant historic buildings.
“This project shows what’s possible when we combine preservation with purpose,” Dickens said. “We’re not just saving a building – we’re saving lives.”
The Atlanta Mission funded the renovation through a combination of private donations, federal grants, and a $2.1 million loan from the Atlanta Development Authority. The organization plans to begin accepting residents next month, with priority given to individuals who have been enrolled in existing Atlanta Mission programs.
Rodriguez said the organization has already received more than 200 applications for the 40 available spots, highlighting the demand for transitional housing services in the city.
Sources: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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