Test tower façade is reimagined, and towers are planned near a MARTA station.

thyssenkrupp Test Tower Design Revised

Updated renderings of the thyssenkrupp Innovation and Qualification Center (IQC), which includes the tallest elevator test tower in the Western Hemisphere (ELEVATOR WORLD, November 2019, May 2019 and September 2018), were revealed in late 2019 by architect Gensler. Rising next to SunTrust Park and The Battery next to Interstate 285, the 420-ft-tall IQC will be the “tallest manmade, inhabitable structure” in Cobb County, Georgia, Curbed Atlanta observed. thyssenkrupp told EW completion is anticipated in Summer 2021, with move-in by the end of 2021 or early 2022.

John Haba, principal in charge, Gensler Houston office, shared with EW:

“To best showcase the elevator systems, we created a complete glass exterior façade for the test tower. . . that allows millions of visitors to view the operations and function of the elevator systems that are normally completely enclosed in concrete and rarely seen. By displaying the various elevator systems. . . we are expressing the thyssenkrupp brand to the world and providing a glimpse into the engineering and innovation of the products people use in everyday life.”

40-Story Mixed-Use Tower Among Projects Greenlit

The Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC) approved plans for 40- and 20-story towers during its final 2019 meeting in December, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reported, citing the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Located at 1230 West Peachtree across from a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) station, the taller tower is being developed by The Hanover Co. and is set to include 328 apartments, 258,000 ft2 of office space and 8,600 ft2 of ground- level retail. A 2021 groundbreaking is anticipated. Chicago- based CORE Campus is behind plans for the shorter tower on Spring Street. Close to two other student-housing developments, the Hub on Campus would feature nearly 800 student beds and ground-level retail. CORE is expected to present a revised plan with DRC-recommended public improvements in 2020.