Shaun Martin Architect

Nestled off the beaten path of Midtown Atlanta lies one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. The Goat Farm Arts Center is making an impact on art and technology using the architecture of place and an enterprise model with great purpose. Upon entry, the view of the goats milling about gives you the sense of humble environs.  A newcomer would never know that over 100 contemporary art exhibitions & experimental performances take place here annually.  The award winning Center is a perfect waltz of art & architecture, whimsy & order, innovation & tradition, past & future, like pendulums in motion set “to push culture forward”.

Original construction spanned 1889-1912 and only included a fraction of buildings that stand today.  The complex sits on a 12-acre site at the corner of Foster & Huff, adjacent to active CSX rail lines that remind all nearby of Atlanta’s industrious past.  It was originally known as “E. Van Winkle Gin and Machine Works” then later “Murrays Mill” and was built by Edward Van Winkle, a 29-year old entrepreneur and son of a successful builder of cotton machinery.  Van Winkle invented a power cotton press that extracted cotton seed oil, a by-product of cotton manufacture once regarded as waste.  His success embodies the innovation and ingenuity synonymous with the Goat Farm Arts Center as we know it today.

The size of the complex is inscrutable as the buildings are situated to compliment open space embracing passers-by and framing vistas with walls articulated to relate to the human scale with artful installations.  When the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, approximately 15 structures were recorded with varying architectural features reminiscent of the Beaux Arts era with undeniable charm in their simple gesture and expression of ornamentation and arrangement.

At its inception, art was the intended objective; however, science and technology start-ups gravitate to this progressive-minded place that has been honed and carved by the sands of time.  These buildings serve as studio spaces, creative offices, small batch manufacturing spaces, a delightful cafe, outdoor spaces and art venues in all sizes for over 470 practitioners of art, science, engineering and technology.   These creative souls delve in abstract thought by experimenting with abstract ideals that inform and inspire meaningful engagement. Age is the common thread that connects these buildings, unintentionally creating a dialogue between the old and new, the creative and pragmatic and the organic and intentional.

Contemporary art installations are laced throughout the complex in very thought-provoking ways to augment vistas and spaces framed by these beautiful character-rich buildings.  Beautiful corbelled brick cornices are flanked with vines and flowers, “slow burning” plank and timber interiors that give way to the persistence of time and faded painted letters on walls that hint to building use from days of yore.  Skylights and “monitors” hang high like crowns atop noble structures that glisten in the sunlight. Surprisingly, these buildings have withstood the test of time with the help of the new stewards and practitioners who love on these buildings like a mother who gently guides her precocious toddler.  These strokes of love are evident in the culture of the place, focused practitioners and a work ethic that is apparent and mirrored by the staff.

I am a registered architect in the State of Georgia with a heart for children, art and the disabled.  I started this blog with the intent to share my efforts on this project but I’m compelled to tell the story differently.  This is a story of perseverance, love and warriors of hope.  Please click on the links as they allow you safe surfing to videos and such.  Enjoy!

On July 11th, the sky was clear, the sun was high along with anxious hearts and minds as drones flew near to capture the buzz.  The streets were lined with people waiting for the Ride to Give team to cycle in from New York.  Folks waited in excitement celebrating another triumphant dream room makeover by Sunshine on a Ranney Day along with their team of volunteers and sponsors. It would be a dream room for another deserving child, Connor Bode, a 16-year old who lives with cerebral palsy and whose smile can light up a room.  It was wonderful, simply wonderful.

Connor’s parents waited anxiously to view their son’s new room which had been kept out of sight throughout construction. I watched the video of the Reveal posted by SOARD and the looks on the parents’ faces tell all. The expression on Dave’s face, cyclist with Ride to Give, (left) tells all.  It was confirmation that his bike ride from New York to Georgia had paid off in more ways than anyone could imagine.

As the festivities continued, I got to know many kind hearted souls who imbued the essence of the afternoon which was the strength and determination of families of children with long term illnesses. I was honored to be amongst warriors of hope. It was very apparent that this was a tight knit group of people who understood each other’s plight lifting each other up in love and understanding. There were old friends, new friends, and what seemed to be a commitment to a cause that intensified as the day went on.

I came home full that afternoon and marinated in the karma of the day by cozying up to the sweet messages on the SOARD Facebook page.  To my surprise, Holly Ranney, cofounder of SOARD, posted a message about how she serendipitously discovered the day actually fell on the anniversary of their first “Big Reveal”… AMAZING!  Then she told a heart wrenching story of this experience and how it reinvigorated her mission (See FB post on 7/11 @ 3:54pm). All I can say is my heart wells up.  Please read her inspirational story.  It’s enough to keep anybody grounded to their dreams.  To Holly and Peter, thank you for the inspiration and more importantly, for the opportunity 🙂  You both are lovely people for whom I have great respect.

And so, here’s where I share my role on this project.  I volunteered architectural design help for a proposed addition to assist SOARD and others to improve the life of Connor Bode and his family.  Although my time on the project paled in comparison to many, I was so honored to be amongst the list of sponsors.

PROBLEM:  Care for Connor became difficult as he grew.  The bathroom could no longer accommodate Connor’s growing body.  In addition, mom and dad spent a lot of time bending, swinging and lifting to care for him.

SOLUTION:  A bigger bathroom with lift system.  I proposed a home addition sized to allow the existing “newly installed” sidewalk to remain untouched during construction; a roof scheme that worked with the existing roof configuration; a furniture layout that would maximize space and access to care for Connor; and, furniture/closet recommendations to encourage flexibility for caregiver room stays.
Needless to say, this effort involved so many people, so many companies.  Lamar Turk Contractor did a fantabulous job building within record time.  The addition looks like it was constructed at the same time as the original house. Crosby Design Group, the interior designer, did an awesome job designing the finishes and built-in cabinetry as well as selecting room decor and furnishings.  Andy Burt, The Wall Nut, mural artist made a conscious effort to be sensitive to Connor and the fact that he spends most of his time on his back and on the floor.  He painted murals on the ceiling and low on the wall. SWEET! A custom fireman uniform hangs near Connor’s bed with his name stitched into place.  It was teamwork at its finest.

I want to send a special shout-out to my family for understanding my heart in this effort and putting up with my crazy schedule when I had to crank out drawings.  More importantly, I want to thank Interceramic for the introduction to SOARD.  Your work together speaks volumes!