Studioplex on Auburn

Easements

Studioplex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is safeguarded by a recorded historic preservation easement. Together, these protect the building’s historic character permanently — for every owner who comes after us.

What this means

Two layers of protection.

People often assume “historic” status and a preservation easement are the same thing. They aren’t — and Studioplex has both.

Bronze National Register of Historic Places plaque mounted on an original concrete column at Studioplex, reading Atlantic / Southeastern Compress and Warehouse, c.1905
Listed on the National Register — the plaque on an original concrete column

1. National Register of Historic Places

The building — the Atlantic / Southeastern Compress & Warehouse, built c.1905 — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District was later expanded to include Studioplex. Listing is an honor and a recognition of significance, and it opens the door to preservation tax incentives.

2. A recorded preservation easement

The stronger, more practical protection is our historic preservation easement, held by Easements Atlanta, Inc. As Easements Atlanta explains it, a preservation easement is a voluntary legal deed agreement that permanently protects a significant historic property: the owner places specific restrictions on the property and transfers those restrictions to a qualified preservation organization, while keeping private ownership.

The restrictions become part of the property’s chain of title and run with the land in perpetuity — binding not only the owner who granted the easement, but every future owner as well.

That last point is the important one. Easements Atlanta notes this protects a property more effectively than zoning or historic designation alone, because a future owner cannot simply opt out of it.

What does the easement protect?

Historic Character

The building’s exterior appearance and defining architectural features.

Original Materials

Brick, masonry, windows, architectural detailing and other historic elements.

Future Alterations

Exterior changes are reviewed to ensure they’re compatible with the building’s historic character.

Our Neighborhood

Helps protect one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Atlanta’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Landmark District.

Stronger than historic designation

Historic district designations can change. A preservation easement is permanent — a recorded property right that stays with the land, ensuring the building’s historic character is protected for the long term.

The easement restrictions become part of the property’s chain of title and run with the land in perpetuity.

Why this matters to homeowners

Instead of restrictions, think of them as protections. The easement ensures that future Boards — or future owners — cannot dramatically alter the appearance or historic character of the property. That protects:

  • the architectural integrity of the building
  • the historic identity that attracted many owners here
  • long-term property values associated with a unique historic property
  • one of Atlanta’s irreplaceable industrial landmarks

It is permanently attached to the property itself — not to any particular Board or owner. Every future Board of Directors and every future homeowner inherits the same responsibilities and the same protections.

What it means day to day

In practical terms, exterior and other protected changes need prior written approval before work begins. Owners should also follow the Association’s own architectural review process through the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).

  • Planning exterior work? Start early — approval comes before work begins, not after.
  • When in doubt, submit an ACC request first. Undoing unapproved work is far more expensive than planning it properly.
Thinking about a project? Read the Architectural Review Guide and The Protective Covenant in our Resources section, and contact Community Management before you begin.
The Protective Covenant PDF Architectural Review Guide PDF Project Review Form PDF

Did you know?

  • Studioplex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Landmark District.
  • The Auburn Avenue Warehouse, during its adaptive reuse, was an artists’ community.
  • Preservation easements help make the rehabilitation of many of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings financially possible.

Studioplex — at a glance

Historic nameAtlantic / Southeastern Compress & Warehouse
Builtc.1905 (Easements Atlanta dates the complex 1905–1918)
Address659–667 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
DistinctionConsidered the oldest concrete structure in the city
Renovation$10 million rehabilitation, completed in the late 1990s
Easement holderEasements Atlanta, Inc.

About Easements Atlanta

Easements Atlanta, Inc. is a nonprofit that works with property owners to preserve the historic places that make Atlanta unique. Their responsibility is to ensure the protected property continues to retain its historic character. Studioplex sits in their portfolio alongside landmarks such as the Fulton Cotton & Bag Mill, the William Oliver Building, Telephone Factory Lofts and Swift & Company Lofts.

Learn more about Easements Atlanta → See our portfolio entry

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