ONE YEAR LATER: Transformed Smith Building, work on the Commons highlights of Capital Project

   Roughly one year ago this month, work was completed on Phase One of the Smith Building.    With the Commons now the focus of our construction, we take a look back to see where we are going next in this exciting phase of church life.

Looking back

   September 2024 marked the end of Phase One of our Capital Project. Begun in 2022, the project re-imagined The Smith Building.

   With the updated space, floors one and two now are equipped to serve more than 1,500 of our unhoused neighbors each month and provides showers, clothing, social services, and other essential resources.

   On floor three, our ministry partners are benefiting from a refurbished space. The Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta, World Pediatrics, and Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary are housed in that space.

   The Women’s Transformation Center is located on the fourth floor and offers nine micro-apartments providing safe, rent-free housing for women in transition for up to twelve months.

   Since opening, these renewed spaces have already provided support to more than 2,280 neighbors, a testament to the project’s immediate impact.

   Longtime FPC member John McColl chairs the FPC Building Committee. He is upbeat on the progress.

   “The Building Committee has spent many hours planning and designing this exceptional transformational project for our church and community, and we couldn’t be prouder for the success we have in the implementation of Phase 1 and the progress we have made on Phase 2,” he said.  “As the next five months unfold we shall get to see our vision for new gathering spaces both inside and outside to come to fruition and see the impact these new technology enhanced spaces will have on our congregation and community.  We remained committed to continued pursuit of the vision we crafted together and feel blessed by the support that everyone has given to make this vision a physical reality.”

Looking forward

   Phase Two is under construction and advancing rapidly. One highlight of the spring was Easter Sunday’s reopening of the historic Peachtree Street entrance, now the Rooker Family Plaza, welcoming families back to a beloved gathering space.

   Framing of the new Commons is complete. Mass-timber beams and roof decking have been installed, and exterior work is underway.

   The new central Commons will provide direct access from both Peachtree and 16th Streets and serve as a welcoming space for connection.

   A state-of-the-art worship, performance, and lecture hall will extend First Presbyterian’s reach to both congregation and community.

   Another milestone completed this spring is the Griffin Family Staff Union, which unites all clergy and administrative teams in a central location for the first time. Designed for collaboration and equipped with modern technology, the Union reflects the church’s commitment to supporting our staff.