The original World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, is being demolished by the state government to make way for a parking lot. The iconic building, which opened in 1990 and was once a popular tourist attraction, has been vacant since Coca-Cola moved out in 2007. The decision to demolish the building was made to create additional parking for the neighboring Georgia Capitol complex, which is undergoing construction to build a new legislative office building. The demolition is expected to cost just under $1.3 million and be completed by August 1.
Since 2007, visitors have been directed to a newer and larger Coca-Cola museum located in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, which has become a hub for tourism in the city. The park is surrounded by hotels and other attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center convention hall. The newer museum showcases the history of the beverage titan and offers visitors the chance to sample its drinks, highlighting the company’s successful marketing strategies over the years.
The Georgia state government purchased the original World of Coca-Cola building from Coca-Cola in 2005 for $1 million. The Georgia Building Authority, which maintains and manages state properties, made the decision to demolish the building due to the need for additional parking around Capitol Hill. With a construction staging area taking up existing parking, the demolition will create new parking spaces adjoining a state-owned event space located in a former railroad freight depot. State officials hope that the additional parking will help accommodate visitors, employees, and lawmakers in the area.
State lawmakers approved a $392 million budget this year to build a new eight-story legislative office building and renovate the historic 1889 Capitol building. The project is set to begin soon and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The decision to invest in new infrastructure around Capitol Hill reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing and upgrading state facilities. The demolition of the original World of Coca-Cola building is just one step in the larger plan to enhance the area and provide better amenities for residents and visitors alike.
The demolition of the original World of Coca-Cola building marks the end of an era for the iconic attraction and symbolizes a shift in the city’s landscape. While the building was once a popular landmark and tourist destination, it has now been replaced by a newer and more modern museum in Centennial Olympic Park. The decision to repurpose the original building for parking highlights the government’s focus on urban development and infrastructure improvements. As Atlanta continues to evolve and grow, it is important to preserve the city’s history while also embracing progress and innovation.
