DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The iconic former Presidential Hotel, a landmark building near the Interstate 285/Interstate 85 junction in Doraville is about to undergo a $53 million makeover.
The cylindrical, 14-story concrete hotel was built in the 1970s. Years later it became a Ramada Hotel that featured the popular Club Europe in the 1990s.
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Now the empty hotel, including the Club Europe space, will be transformed into a large apartment community by Atlanta based developer Aramar Investments.
“Back in my days, we used to come here and party it up. I know a lot of people from Atlanta remember it was well,” said Aramar Investments partner Cesar Contreras.
Contreras gave Channel 2’s Tom Regan an overview of their redevelopment plans for the long vacant building. The tower will feature 220 units, including studios, one-bedroom apartments and four penthouse apartments.
“It will have spiral stairs. On the main level, you have your kitchen, living room and dining area. And upstairs, you have your sleeping area,” said Contreras.
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A second building will be erected with two-bedroom apartments, and the former space of Club Europe will also be transformed into two-bedroom apartments.
The apartment community will feature numerous amenities, including an outdoor pool-entertainment complex, free shared office workspace, pet washing stations and another feature that’s sure to appeal to young renters.
“We are also going to be catering to your influencers, YouTubers, because we are creating recording studios for podcasts,” said Contreras.
The dilapidated vacant building has been eyesore in the area for years. Many who live and work nearby, are looking forward to the renovation.
That includes the those behind the award-winning ITP Training Academy, a full-service racket sports complex that sits next the hotel tower.
“This whole area has been in the shadow of this building for a really long time. This corner of Atlanta has been known for that big, abandoned building near Spaghetti Junction. It will make such a big difference if we are not known for that anymore. Getting more investment, more activity in the area, is going to be great,” said ITP Training Academy founder Nazar Bilukha.
The renovation project is estimated to be completed in 18 months.
“The majority of people know this building. Everything about it, the shape. We are very privileged to be part of this project,” said Contreras.
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