Atlanta has a well-deserved reputation as a diverse and welcoming city so it’s rather thrilling to see the debut of a luxury hotel that embodies those ideals—FORTH Atlanta. Perched at the edge of the Historic Fourth Ward Park on a former industrial site, the hotels sits in the midst of the city’s hip and groovy beating heart—the Eastside Trail of the Beltline, Atlanta’s wildly popular walkable artery that threads its way through shops, bars, restaurants and residences.
The 16-story property which includes a boutique hotel, members-only social club, and four restaurants and bars, is the work of New City Properties and CEO Jim Irwin and Philadelphia-based hospitality company Method Co. Irwin, who is an Atlanta native and cut his development teeth on the nearby Ponce City Market, explains, “this is what our city deserves; a place that is both innovative and interesting –a thoughtful and purposeful destination.”
The innovative elements start with the property’s striking exterior (designed by Morris Adjmi Architects), a one-of-a-kind four-sided concrete exoskeleton which blends a bit of Paris’ Pompidou Center with Brutalist architecture. However you choose to describe it, it is without question officially the coolest building in the city of Atlanta (and the only building in the world that is four-sided cast in place concrete). But the industrial exterior belies the artfully tailored interiors that define every space. CEO and Co-Founder of Method Co Randall Cook explains the vision: "We hope FORTH is something that our neighbors and people throughout Atlanta are proud to have in their city. A place they visit often and want to bring their friends and family to for a wide range of reasons.”
Appointed with bespoke furnishings throughout the property, you’ll find yourself snapping photos in every space to research each look. Guestrooms are defined by floor to ceiling windows–all the better to see the edgy exterior architecture. Custom wallpaper, bedding from Bellino Fine Linens, and bath products from Le Labo round out the amenities. Select suites also have private terraces—including one suite with a wood-burning outdoor fireplace. Long-term stay options are also on offer with 39 fully appointed residential suites.
Dining takes a prime seat here as well—it’s not an afterthought or just filling a hotel guest need, but rather a collection of inspired spaces designed to delight and surprise. Guests can choose from the 360-degree views at the rooftop co*cktail lounge Moonlight, the Mediterranean- inspired poolside vibes at Elektra, or the sumptuous steakhouse luxury at Il Premio Italian steakhouse. Bar Premio, the café and bar along the hotel lobby, is sure to be a local hangout with its day-long offerings of La Colombe coffee, pastries, salads, and Italian sandwiches.
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Yes, FORTH is a hotel, but it is a muti-dimensional destination. Consider the park just outside the front door—where they have secured an open container permit—maybe you’ll just meet friends there and make an afternoon of people watching. Or maybe it will be a celebratory night on the rooftop with its unparalleled views of the city. Alas, you might be more inspired to take a spin class in the hotel’s two-story gym with floor to ceiling windows. Or you opt for a private membership at the FORTH Social Club, a first-of-its-kind in Atlanta member’s only social club (read: no golf, no tennis). The club’s private spaces include an expansive outdoor terrace, dining room and lounge and are inspired by the grand tradition of the early 20th-century salon, where community luminaries come together to connect, share stories and learn from one another.
An iconic place, which is what this destination will certainly become, is only as good as the people behind it—and at FORTH the service is a defining element. It’s the type of five-star anticipatory approach one expects from a luxury property but here it’s laced with quintessential southern warmth and natural hospitality. It all feels like the next big step for Atlanta hospitality which adds up when Irwin describes his inspiration for the hotel name, “The FORTH’s name comes from one of my favorite poems from Ralph Waldo Emerson that says, ‘Go forth into the world and learn to love it mingle kindly with its joys and sorrows’.” It’s a safe bet to say there will be much mingling at FORTH, mostly of the joyful kind.
Note to readers: The Il Premio Steakhouse, Moonlight Rooftop Lounge and Member’s Club are slated to open later this summer, call ahead for details.
