By Ian Michael Rogers
Easements Atlanta is the proud recipient of a preservation easement donation by Pellerin Real Estate for the circa 1911 Marbut and Minor Building/E.A. Minor Masonic Lodge at 514 Flat Shoals Avenue in East Atlanta.
Easements Atlanta is excited to accept the donation, another in a long line of projects in which
they’ve assisted in permanently protecting Atlanta’s historic resources. A preservation easement, also known as a conservation easement, is a voluntary, legal agreement in which a property owner agrees to permanently protect a historic building. It allows a property owner to retain private ownership of the property while ensuring that the historic character of the property will be preserved through a perpetual easement.
“Properties such as the Marbut and Minor Building provide a tangible connection to our city’s
history,” said Ian Michael Rogers, President of Easements Atlanta. “Preservation easements are
one of the most important tools available for balancing preservation and development, ensuring that Atlanta’s architectural, historic, and cultural resources are protected now and for the future. We are thrilled to be partnering with Pellerin Real Estate to ensure the perpetual stewardship of this significant property.”
“Preservation of unique and historic buildings has been a cornerstone of our approach to sustainable development in Southeast Atlanta,” said Philippe Pellerin of Pellerin Real Estate. “We take pride in the numerous historic renovations we have completed throughout the city since 2011 and are excited to have continued that legacy with a building as special as 514 Flat Shoals. This building is unique both in character and prominence within EAV. That long enshrined history will be lovingly restored as we move towards renovations in 2023 and beyond.”
Located in the East Atlanta National Register Historic District, the Marbut and Minor Building is a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s primary commercial area that developed at the intersection of Glenwood and Flat Shoals Avenues. Built between 1911 and 1916, the current building was constructed for the E.A. Minor Masonic Lodge. The building’s extant façade design is thought to date to ca. 1961, exhibiting restrained Modern and Classical architectural elements; a combination known as Stripped Classicism that emerged in the 1930s. The building features interesting architectural elements that include brickwork set in Flemish bond, and decorative limestone and cast stone accents that include ten pilasters with Doric capitals and Greek key window cornices.
“This will become the first building permanently preserved in East Atlanta. It will convert this structure into an example for further preservation and anchor the culture and identity of this community,” said David Mitchell, Executive Director of the Atlanta Preservation Center. “Simply put – it is a BIG DEAL and with courage – the first of others to follow. The Atlanta
Preservation Center is very proud to have played a role in this and looks forward to more of this work.”
