The Hurt Building in Atlanta: History, Tenants, Parking, and What to Know

If you live in Atlanta or spend time downtown, you’ve probably heard of the Hurt Building. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable historic office towers and a major landmark near the government and university districts.

This guide explains what the Hurt Building is, where it is, what’s inside, how to visit or work there, and how it fits into downtown Atlanta life.

Where Is the Hurt Building in Atlanta?

The Hurt Building is a historic office building located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in the heart of the city’s business and government center.

General location:

• Near Georgia State University
• A short walk from Five Points and Peachtree Center
• Close to Atlanta City Hall, the Fulton County Courthouse, and several state government buildings

People working in law, government, banking, and professional services often pass through or work in the Hurt Building because of its central location.

Basic Facts About the Hurt Building

Here’s a quick overview of the building and what to expect:

The building mainly houses offices and professional services. If you’re looking for a traditional tourist attraction, this is more of a working office building than a sightseeing center, although the architecture and setting are notable.

Why the Hurt Building Matters in Atlanta

A historic part of downtown’s skyline

The Hurt Building is often mentioned as one of Atlanta’s classic early skyscrapers. Many people working downtown recognize it for:

• Its historic façade and architectural style
• Its role in the early 20th-century growth of downtown Atlanta
• Being part of the core business and legal corridor around the courthouse and government buildings

For someone trying to understand how downtown Atlanta is laid out, the Hurt Building is a useful reference point. It sits in an area where:

• Law firms, courts, and government offices cluster together
• Georgia State University students and faculty move between campus buildings
• MARTA rail stations (especially Five Points and Georgia State) feed commuters into the office district

Who Typically Uses the Hurt Building?

The Hurt Building is not a single-purpose building. It usually includes a mix of tenants, which can change over time, but often includes:

• Law firms and legal service providers
• Financial and consulting firms
• Technology, design, or marketing offices
• Professional associations or nonprofits
• Support services that serve downtown offices and nearby government agencies

If you are:

• Starting a job with an employer in downtown Atlanta
• Meeting an attorney, accountant, or consultant
• Attending a professional interview or appointment

you may find their offices are located in or near the Hurt Building.

Always check your specific office suite number, company name, and floor before arriving, since many different organizations share the building.

Getting to the Hurt Building: Transportation & Access

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, but the Hurt Building area is well-connected by transit and walkable from key hubs.

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many people, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the Hurt Building area.

Nearby rail stations include:

• Five Points Station – Central transfer hub for all rail lines, commonly used by downtown workers
• Georgia State Station – Convenient for the eastern side of downtown and Georgia State University

From either station, it’s typically a short walk through downtown streets to the Hurt Building, passing other office buildings, campus buildings, and small shops.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving into downtown Atlanta to reach the Hurt Building, expect:

• Heavy traffic during weekday rush hours
• Limited on-street parking, often metered with time limits
• Private parking decks and surface lots around the area, with daily or hourly rates

Nearby options often include:

• Privately operated parking garages serving multiple office buildings
• Surface lots scattered around downtown, especially a few blocks away from the core

Tips for drivers:

• Allow extra time for finding parking and walking to the building.
• If you have a meeting, ask the office you’re visiting whether they validate parking or recommend a particular garage.
• If you work in the building, your employer or property management may offer monthly parking arrangements in a nearby deck.

Safety, Security, and Building Access

The Hurt Building functions like many other downtown professional office towers in Atlanta.

Entering the building

Common patterns you may encounter:

• Security desk or concierge presence in the lobby
• A requirement to check in, present ID, or sign a visitor log
• Visitor badges for access beyond the lobby
• Keycard systems for elevators or specific floors for tenants

If you have a scheduled appointment:

• Confirm the office name, floor, and suite beforehand
• Ask whether you need to bring identification or arrive early for security check-in
• Plan a small buffer (10–15 minutes) for finding the right elevator bank and office if it’s your first visit

Street-level environment

The area around the Hurt Building is a busy section of downtown Atlanta, combining:

• Office workers
• Students
• Visitors to government buildings
• People transferring through MARTA stations

As in most city centers, people commonly:

• Stay aware of their surroundings
• Keep personal items secure
• Walk on well-lit main streets, especially early in the morning or later in the evening

The building itself typically maintains standard commercial security practices similar to other major office towers nearby.

What It’s Like to Work in or Visit the Hurt Building

For office workers

If you get a job in the Hurt Building or nearby, you can expect:

• A traditional downtown office environment, with elevator access to various floors
• Easy walking access to coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and food courts in downtown Atlanta
• Proximity to Georgia State University and many legal and government offices, useful if your work is connected to those sectors
• The option to commute via MARTA instead of driving, which many downtown workers find convenient

For clients and visitors

If you’re visiting a professional office in the Hurt Building:

• Bring details like suite number, contact person, and meeting time
• Budget time for parking or transit delays and lobby-level security
• Dress appropriately if going to a law firm, consulting office, or formal business environment, since many tenants maintain a professional dress code

Nearby Services and Amenities

One benefit of the Hurt Building’s location in Atlanta is its walkable access to many downtown services:

Within walking distance you’ll typically find:

• Restaurants and cafés catering to office workers and students
• Banks and ATMs
• Copy/print and shipping services
• Pharmacies and convenience stores
• Public buildings, such as Atlanta City Hall, Fulton County government offices, and various courts

If you are spending the day in the area for work or meetings, you can usually take care of quick errands or grab meals without needing to drive elsewhere.

Is the Hurt Building a Tourist Destination?

The Hurt Building itself is primarily an office building, not a dedicated attraction. However, it may still be of interest if you:

• Enjoy historic architecture and are exploring downtown
• Are walking between Georgia State University, Underground Atlanta, Five Points, or nearby government buildings
• Want to understand how Atlanta’s early skyscrapers shaped the modern downtown skyline

Most visitors who enter the building have a specific reason—a meeting, an appointment, an office to visit—rather than sightseeing. If you’re just walking by, you can appreciate the building’s exterior and the way it fits into the surrounding streetscape.

Tips If You Have Business at the Hurt Building

To make your visit smoother:

• ✅ Confirm details ahead of time – Know the company name, floor, and suite before you arrive.
• ⏰ Arrive early – Aim to be in the lobby at least 10–15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for security and navigating the building.
• 🚇 Consider MARTA – Downtown traffic and parking costs can be significant; rail or bus options may be more convenient.
• 🧭 Use landmarks – If you’re walking from a MARTA station, note nearby points like Georgia State University and Five Points to help orient yourself.
• 📞 Have a contact number – Keep your host office’s phone number handy in case you have trouble finding the right entrance or suite.

Understanding the Hurt Building in Atlanta mainly means understanding it as a historic, centrally located office tower that continues to serve professionals, students, and visitors moving through downtown every day. Whether you’re starting a new job there, meeting a lawyer, or just trying to get your bearings in downtown Atlanta, knowing what the building is and how it fits into the city can make navigating the area much easier.