Abernathy Arts Center Improvements

The existing stone arts building at the Abernathy Arts Center needs significant repairs and updates. Due to the unsafe and unstable condition of the building, the City of Sandy Springs is going to construct a temporary facility. This new facility will add art programming spaces to the existing site. 

December 5, 2023 City Council Meeting Abernathy Arts Center Improvements Presentation

The City hosted a Public Open House in October 2023 to discuss the future of the Abernathy Arts Center with a presentation detailing the proposed changes and program enhancements.

Presentation (October 30, 2023)

Display Boards (October 30, 2023)

Welcome Letter (October 30, 2023)

Comment Card (October 30, 2023)

Those unable to attend the Public Information Open House had the opportunity to provide comments on the project during the public comment period. The final day to submit comments was Sunday, November 12.

Additional Information: The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority approved the transfer of the Abernathy Arts Center from Fulton County in 2021, as part of a quit claim deed. The City of Sandy Springs approved an agreement with Art Sandy Springs, Inc. (ArtSS) to provide arts programming at the Abernathy Arts Center. 

The property is approximately 3.59 acres and is currently developed with three buildings: a single-story, former residential structure on a partial basement (4,722 sq ft.), a garage with a studio above, and a single-story steel framed Annex Building (5,000 sq. ft.) The site also has tennis courts, a small playground, and a parking lot.

Project Updates

The Abernathy Arts Center, is undergoing significant improvements to enhance its facilities, particularly for ceramics classes. The existing stone arts building has been identified as needing substantial repairs and updates due to structural deficiencies and non-compliance with ADA regulations.

To address these issues, Council approved a contract to demolish the stone buildings and replace them with a modular arts studio. This temporary facility is designed to accommodate the return of pottery classes. The modular structure, approximately 1,200 square feet in size, is expected to have a lifespan of 5-7 years and can be relocated for future use.

As of September 2024, demolition of the stone buildings and renovation of the detention pond have been completed.

Site civil work had commenced, and the modular arts studio shell arrived on-site in the first week of October 2024.

Fabrication of the final design is anticipated to begin in late summer 2025 with an opening of the facility in early 2026.

Final improvements will include a spacious deck around the modular art studio, new sidewalks and stairs, site lighting and landscaping.

Abernathy Arts Center – Ceramic Studio Coming Soon

The City of Sandy Springs is excited to share that construction on the new Ceramic Studio at the Abernathy Arts Center is nearing completion. On January 15, City Council approved a contract award of $599,947.60 to Rubio and Sons Interiors to complete the renovation, and work has progressed steadily over the past several months.

This project has transformed the existing structure into a vibrant creative space featuring two classrooms, dedicated storage, and a restroom. Exterior improvements include a new wrap-around deck, refreshed building façade, enhanced sidewalk access, and landscaping designed to complement the surrounding campus.

Construction is expected to be substantially complete in March. This week, construction fencing will be removed, and final landscaping improvements will begin. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated in April to formally celebrate the completion of the new Ceramic Studio.

Once complete, the Ceramic Studio will provide artists of all ages with a place to learn, create, and connect—further strengthening the Abernathy Arts Center as a cornerstone for arts and culture in Sandy Springs.