TSW Designs Renovation of Atlanta’s Ansley Forest Apartments
For decades, the 1970s-era Ansley Forest Apartments in Midtown Atlanta sat in a time warp, as the neighborhood around the community evolved and flourished.
By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer
Atlanta—For decades, the 1970s-era Ansley Forest Apartments in Midtown Atlanta sat in a time warp, as the neighborhood around the community evolved and flourished. A redesign and renovation of the property is now nearing completion thanks to the work of architectural firm TSW, which was retained to help the 269-unit apartment community make the leap into the current century.
“The timing was right to do the project for several reasons,” Sue Mied, owner of Atlanta-based Madison Property Management, the property manager, tells MHN. “As we came out of the recession, we knew other properties would be upgrading. We wanted to stay out in front of any competition.
“Also, there is an increasing demand for high-quality apartment homes, especially in walkable neighborhoods. All across the nation, people—especially young adults—are opting to live in town where they can walk or bicycle to shops, restaurants, entertainment and recreation, as well as take public transportation. This same demographic is opting to rent rather than purchase a home, so the in-town apartment industry is booming. Our renters were supportive of the project, and throughout the renovation, we maintained 100 percent occupancy.”
TSW began its work by opening up floor plans to the full extent possible, and repainting the interiors in lighter colors, says Jerry Spangler, AIA, LEED AP and founding principal of Atlanta-based TSW.
“We moved interior walls and got rid of small, closed-off spaces,” he reports. “We opened the kitchens in the living areas, and added new glass doors at the rear of the apartments to extend the living spaces out onto the patios for the garden units, and to balconies for the upper-level units.”
Changes made by TSW to the exterior structures were limited to enlarging window openings. Replacing and enlarging windows had an enormous impact in enabling natural light to reach into each residence. “Also, we added wood accent panels outdoors to give the balconies and patios more visual mass and bring color and natural wood to the exterior,” Spangler says.
What are the results of the renovations?
They deliver a dynamic and contemporary visual enhancement to the neighborhood, Spangler says. “We wanted a fresh, upbeat vibe, and I feel the design accomplished that,” he observes.
“While the complex has always been viable due to its desirable location, it now fits in better with all the recent growth and renovations found in the area. The interior upgrades make the apartments more competitive with other in-town complexes, and provide the residents with an even nicer place to live.
“And while the community generally appeals to younger professionals, the renovation has had a warm reception from the older residents who have lived at Ansley Forest for many years.”
