Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium

228-250 Auburn

— Sweet Auburn Freedom Walk —

Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1912, the Odd Fellows Building was one of Auburn's most innovative projects. The office complex was the brainchild of Benjamin J. Davis, leader of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows fraternal organization. Davis led a campaign to raise $250,000 to build this structure to provide space for Black doctors, lawyers and businessmen. Also, the complex was the new home of the Standard Life Insurance Company and the Atlanta Independent newspaper which Davis published. Located in the building was the Gate City Drug Store (later renamed Yates & Milton) and the Royal Theater. Since Blacks did not have access to the Municipal Auditorium downtown, an auditorium was added to the complex in 1913 at a cost of $100,000. The 1300 seat auditorium was used for conventions, meetings and entertainment. Detailing on the building features terra-cotta figures with African features.

Erected by National Park Service • City of Atlanta.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 33° 45.336′ N, 84° 22.792′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It

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is in the Hotel District. Marker is on Auburn Avenue NE west of Bell Street NE, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Integration of the Police Department (a few steps from this marker); Bronner Brothers Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Auburn Avenue Underpass (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanley's Funeral Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Soul Food Row (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dobbs Plaza (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Also see . . .
1. Asset Detail | Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium. National register of Historic Places nomination (PDF) and photographs (PDF) submitted for the building. (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium. Details and photographs of the notable building (Sweet Auburn). Note: Page uses Adobe Flash Player, which is not always supported, but it is still readable as a static webpage capture. (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

2. Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium Marker

Marker is on the auditorium portion of the building, added in 1913.

Odd Fellows Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

3. Odd Fellows Building

The original office building was constructed in 1912. Noted above the door is that it was the headquarters of District Grand Lodge No. 18, Jurisdiction of Georgia, of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.