After years of delay, the stage is set to finally restore one of metro Atlanta’s oldest buildings.
The Rufus M. Rose House was acquired by UC Asset, an Atlanta-based real estate investment firm, earlier this summer. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday to mark the start of restoration of the home at 537 Peachtree St.
“Our goal has always been to use real estate to positively engage and impact the Atlanta community,” Christal Jordan, Executive Director, UC Asset, said in a press release. “Acquiring the Rufus Rose House was a great beginning to our commitment to the city. We are beyond excited to have Atlanta leaders joining us that believe in the greatness of the city. David Mitchell, Executive Director for the Atlanta Preservation Center has been a great advocate and partner. 2021 Mayoral candidate Kasim Reed has a proven track record of pushing Atlanta forward and we are honored to have him join us for this occasion.
“Our longterm goal is for the Rufus House to become a symbol of hope and legacy for the city, celebrating its rich history while forging ahead to create a progressive new future.”
The home is the only Victorian mansion still standing in the central district. The 1901 build is a late Victorian Queen Anne-style home. It’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. The City of Atlanta designated it as a Landmark Building Exterior in 1989. Plans are in place to fully restore the home to preserve its history and promote a future of diversity and inclusion in Atlanta.
“We look forward to working with the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Preservation Center and other leaders to restore this property, while maintaining its origin and integrity — then ultimately making it a resource for the Atlanta community,” UC Asset founder Larry Wu said. “We have partnered with a technology company and have some exciting news to share in the upcoming weeks about the future of the Rufus Rose House.”
This isn’t the first time restoration efforts have circled the dwelling.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Inman Park Properties purchased the Rufus Rose House in 2020. At the time, the plan was to repurpose the home, which has been vacant since 2001, into a restaurant space. Atlanta architect Emil Charles Seiz designed the home and it has largely retained its appearance in the years since.
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