Renowned Atlanta architect John Portman dies at 93

December 29,2017

Source: Maria Saporta, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Legendary Atlanta architect and developer John Portman passed away late Dec. 29 – capping a remarkable life that left its imprint all over the world – including Asia, Europe and the United States.

Despite his global reach, Portman was rooted in Atlanta. His headquarters were located in the 14-block Peachtree Center area of downtown Atlanta that he designed and developed over the span of his illustrious career.

Portman, 93, was born in his mother’s hometown of Walhalia, S.C. But his family moved to Atlanta when he was a young boy. One of his favorite stories was how he began selling magazines on the street corner and would sell gum in front of Atlanta’s movie theaters along Peachtree Street.

In fact, Portman and his longtime friends – Charlie Loudermilk and Andrew Young – would jokingly try to one-up each other on who had had the most humble beginnings.

Eventually Portman would redevelop much of Peachtree Street – and he created a whole new genre of architecture – with the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and its open atrium that introduced a feeling of the outdoors within the building.

In addition to being an architect and developer, Portman also was a sculptor, painter and furniture designer.

Read the complete article at the link above.